Posted April 13, 2022 – Narrated by Carmen
On our way at last!
Since the moment we met Beauty in 2015, our thoughts turned to an overland journey to Alaska, a place we’ve never been. But, as new inductees to RV travel, we took a four-year pause for research and outfitting before daring the challenge.
“In due time” was our motto.
With many advisors and consultants on hand, in the end it is Jim’s determination, forecasting and exquisite attention to detail which keeps our Alaska vision and progress on course.
Preparations
Preparations began in 2019 when the Airstream Factory, (The Mothership), installed new axles and a lift kit.
Then, while in position for a mid-winter 2020 departure to Alaska from San Diego, the pandemic forced a detour. Setting northward ambitions aside, we retreated to the east into the familiar comforts of the California and Arizona deserts, then up to see the majesties of Colorado and Utah.
In 2021, we set out for The Maritimes hoping the Canadian border would open for Summer tourism. It did not, but we discovered the exotic barrier islands in the Carolinas, and Virginia, before crossing north-east into Upper Michigan.
Last August, when the Canada-US border reopened, we returned to San Diego with the goal, “Denali or Bust!”
As we hug the Pacific coast in true 4-3-2 style we project a Canada entry in the late-spring thaw.
Every two weeks we will report the high points, mishaps and discoveries.
Thus far, all is well despite a beating Beauty suffered from a ghost tree in Oregon (more about that in a future report), but our Alaska hope remains steadfast. We signed up for adventure and the hail marks, bumps and bruises go proudly before us as we slowly ascend toward North America’s last frontier.
Our health is good. The cool climate fortifies our appetite for outdoor exercise. The salty coastal air mates with the tang of the winter forest floor and every whiff reminds us that we are not in the desert anymore.
Each day we waken to the glories of the rugged California and Oregon coastlines and gape in awe at the dramatic promontories and verdant wetlands teeming with wildlife and shorebirds. The wet conditions – coastal fog, low temperatures, wind, rain, hail, rain again, hail again and the occasional snow – give us an excuse to bundle up with a steaming cup of Mexican cocoa and burrow into a good book, or sit fireside with freshly drawn pints of frothy porter in the local public houses.
Our Journey Song
Before a long sojourn away from home, some indigenous American families sing the travelers on their way. The mysterious rhythms of these ceremonial songs heave with longing for the familiar, and with wailings for the sad specter of a permanent departure.
The custom is wise. If these last two years have taught us anything, the truth of our mortality is an ever-present cognition. There are no guarantees. Still, our senses hunger for signs of a safe journey ahead. And on that mid-January night before pulling out of San Diego, we felt the heavens had tossed us a blessing.
The next morning, snowcapped mountains flanked by palm trees escorted us all the way to The City of Angels.
We stopped in Riverside to lunch with dear friends, Margie and Uly Pabon from high school …
… before continuing the surreal journey through Los Angeles …
to Highway 1, The Pacific Coast Highway, (PCH) …
and, finally, to our home for seven days in…
Malibu
where we settled into our perch on the hillside with an ospry’s eye view of Escondido Beach and Paradise Cove …
As if the public beaches are not enough …
we arrived with tickets for the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles and the Getty Villa Museum.
The recently re-opened museums are L.A.’s best kept secret. If they charged $50 entrance it would still be the best thing in town, but it costs nothing other than a bit of planning and a small parking fee.
The Getty Center
The following morning we left Pico to enjoy the view …
and drove 24 miles on the 405 ….
to a secure lot …
and rode the Getty tram up to the museum grounds …
The entrance features a boy presenting a perfectly naked frog to a woman who is apparently so overcome by the spectacle that she loses her footing and tumbles down the stairs.
Score #1 for Art. We were all eyes.
Back in our house-poor days we would bring our own lunch and picnic on the lawn before perusing the galleries. Celebrating the end of a two-year museum fast, we made reservations for The Restaurant at the Getty Center.
then we toured the exterior …
For decades The Getty has served as our special place, our thinking place, where we come to unwind after a crisis or gird up for a challenge.
The management limits the crowd, so it’s always a relaxing atmosphere. We come for the views …
the galleries …
to see old friends …
and to view the gardens.
Something different always captures our attention.
Before the pandemic we would stay after closing for a concert, film or play, but the event calendar had not resumed so we settled for a bottle of wine on the patio.
In a small way, we carry the Getty with us. The used street banners make gorgeous weather-durable outdoor table covers, floor cloths and wall coverings, indoors or out. We’ve used the same banner for ten years now. The used street and exhibition banners are available at The Getty Store and can be ordered online.
Santa Monica
The next day we drove into Santa Monica to have lunch at The Curious Palate …
where we met a friend from our distant past, Chuck Martinez. In the early 70’s Chuck was the owner of the magic shop on 30th Street in San Diego. His expertise in the art of prestidigitation served as a godsend for local magicians. In 1976, his mother, Mary, found our first house and kindly waived her fee giving us a head start in San Diego real estate. Today, Chuck is president of the illustrious and legendary Magic Castle.
The next day we returned to Santa Monica on business. The Bike Shop had a Dolphin eBike in stock to replace the bike I lost in Chula Vista.
The Journey Song continued …
when our forever-buddies, Sam and Jim Pascarella drove up from San Diego for a day at the Getty Villa …
The Getty Villa
We met at the Villa Cafe for a bite …
before diving into the galleries …
Sam is a recently retired middle-school art teacher …
so we tried to be good.
At least we stayed out of the water features.
Later, we met at Beauty in The Bu for a sunset view.
Douglas Jacobs, my writing teacher, joined us the following day. We exchanged salt and chocolate, and shared a pot of Jim’s pork chili verde.
Solstice Canyon
On the seventh day we hiked Solstice Canyon, right off PCH. The trailhead is a short drive and an easy walk from the campground.
This trail – if you will excuse the expression – has Energy. Everything glows with a singular Presence …
Right away, Pico picked up on the excellent vibe …
We connected to this place where the stream lays low …
parrots rule the sky.
Voices seem to murmur from the old homestead.
The wind stirred a mournful howl from the fire hollowed oak …
the final note of our Journey Song …
setting us free to go over the mountains to see what we can see.
Chapters in the “Airstreaming to Alaska” series
- Chapter 1 – San Diego to Malibu
- Sun Outdoors San Diego Bay – Chula Vista, California
- Malibu Beach RV Resort – Malibu, California
- Chapter 2 – Malibu to Morro Bay
- Morro Bay State Park – Morro Bay, California
- Chapter 3 – Morro Bay to Santa Cruz
- Santa Cruz Harbor RV Park – Santa Cruz, California
- Chapter 4 – Santa Cruz to San Francisco
- San Francisco RV Park – Pacifica, California
- Chapter 5 – San Francisco to Eureka
- Vinnie’s Northbay Airstream Repair – Wilton, California
- High Water Brewery (Harvest Host location) – Lodi, California
- Harmony Wynelands (Harvest Host location) – Lodi, California
- Van Ruiten Family Vineyards (Harvest Host location) – Lodi, California
- Four Fools Winery (Harvest Host location) – Rodeo, California
- Lawson’s Landing – Dillon Beach, California
- Mia Bea Wines (Harvest Host location) – Redwood Valley, California
- Johnny’s at the Beach – Eureka, California
- Chapter 6 – The Oregon Coast
- Harris Beach State Park – Brookings, Oregon
- Bay Point Landing Resort – Coos Bay, Oregon
- Blue Herron French Cheese (Harvest Host location) – Tillimook, Oregon
- Seaside RV Resort – Seaside, Oregon
- Chapter 7 – The Strait of Juan de Fuca
- Washington Land Yacht Harbor Airstream Park – Olympia, Washington
- Salt Creek Recreation Area – Port Angeles, Washington
- Chapter 8 – Victoria, British Columbia
- Weir’s Beach RV Resort – Victoria, British Columbia
- Chapter 9 – Victoria to Mackenzie
- Riverside RV Resort – Whistler, British Columbia
- Big Bar Rest Area – Clinton, British Columbia
- Walmart Parking Lot – Prince George, British Columbia
- Alexander MacKenzie Landing – Mackenzie, British Columbia
- Chapter 10 – The Alaska Highway
- Northern Lights RV Park – Dawson Creek, British Columbia
- Former Prophet River State Park – Peace River, British Columbia
- Hay Lake – Fort Liard, Northwest Territories
- Northern Rockies Lodge and RV Park – Muncho Lake, British Columbia
- Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park – Liard River, British Columbia
- Chapter 11 – Yukon
- Watson Lake Visitors Center Parking Lot – Watson Lake, Yukon
- Teslin Rest Area – Teslin, Yukon
- Norsemen RV Park – Atlin, British Columbia
- Hot Springs Campground – Whitehorse, Yukon
- Real Canadian Superstore Parking Lot, Whitehorse, Yukon
- Gold Rush Campground – Dawson City, Yukon
- Chapter 12 – Top of the World Highway to Chicken, Alaska
- Downtown Chicken Cafe and Saloon
- Chapter 13 – Tok to Valdez
- Tundra RV Park – Tok, Alaska
- Gulkana River Rest Stop – Gulkana, Alaska
- Bear Paw RV Park – Valdez, Alaska
- Chapter 14 – Glacier View to Anchorage
- Grand View Cafe and RV Park – Glacier View, Alaska
- Alaska Raceway Park (Harvest Host location) – Palmer, Alaska
- Ship Creek RV Park – Anchorage, Alaska
- Chapter 15 – Kenai Peninsula
- Heritage RV Park – Homer Spit, Alaska
- Marathon RV Campground – Seward, Alaska
- Chapter 16 – Whittier to Talkeetna
- Williwaw Campground – Whittier, Alaska
- Talkeenta Camper Park – Talkeetna, Alaska
- Chapter 17 – Denali
- Riley Creek Campground – Denali National Park, Alaska
- Chapter 18 – North Pole to Chena Hot Springs
- Riverview RV Park – North Pole, Alaska
- Chena Hot Springs Campground – Fairbanks, Alaska
- Chapter 19 – Tok to Haines
- Fast Eddy’s Restaurant Parking Lot – Tok, Alaska
- Gravel Turnout – Beaver Creek, Yukon
- Gravel Turnout – Destruction Bay, Yukon
- Haines Hitch-UP RV Park – Haines, Alaska
- Chapter 20 – South to the Lower 48
- Gravel Turnout – Haines Junction, Yukon
- Teslin Rest Area – Teslin, Yukon
- Jade City Parking Lot – Jade City, British Columbia
- Mehan Lake Rest Area – Bell II, British Columbia
- Fort Telkwa Riverfront RV Park – Telkwa, British Columbia
- Walmart Parking Lot – Prince George, British Columbia
- 100 Mile House Municipal Campground – 100 Mile House, British Columbia
- Mt. Paul Golf Course (Harvest Host location) – Kamloops, British Columbia
- Crowsnest Vineyards (Harvest Host location) – Cawston, British Columbia
- Final Chapter – Lessons Learned
- Philosophy
- Preparation
- Planning
- Mileposts (the book)
- Roads
- Weather
- Camping
- Cash and Currency
- Clothing
- Food
- Wildlife
- Bugs
- Fuel
- Dump Stations and Potable Water
- Pets
- Internet Connectivity
- Hiking
- Cycling
- Kayaking
- Damage
- Dangers
- Canada Border Crossing
- US Border Crossing
- General Observations
- Serendipity
- Final Thoughts
- Our Camp Sites
If you want to see our exact route, click here.
*photos in this post (unless otherwise noted) were taken and copyrighted by Living In Beauty.
Ah – so at the moment it sounds as if you are enjoying the beautiful weather of Oregon. Safe travels 👍
Hey Kevin!
Yes we are taking a snowbird break again this year. If we don’t the bucket list will never get done. Save some sun for us. We’ll be back in October to grab our share.
Safe & Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
Safe/happy travels. We are also taking our Airstream to Alaska, leaving Northern California around June first. Hope to see you on the road!
Hey Dusty!
We hope to see you along the Alcan or the Cassiar! Email us if you think we’re nearby. We’d love to meet up!
Woo-hoo!!!
Carmen@LIB
Safe travels and happy memories!
Thank you Nancy!
Safe & Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
Looking forward to watching your progress. An overland trip to Deadhorse was one of the main driving factors that ultimately resulted in us purchasing an RV and going full time.
I’ve got the route planned out, just need to drop it on the calendar.
Hey Bill!
So far, Deadhorse is not on our schedule. Should we give it more consideration?
Thanks for being with us.
Carmen@LIB
It definitely seems to be the type of place that is more about the journey than the destination. Driving up through the Arctic Circle, going as far north and west that you can drive in North America …
exciting!! on our bucket list!
Hey Cate!
We hope to meet you on our way back. We are so inspired by your journey, photography and art! xoxo to Frankie!
https://catebattlesart.argosyodyssey.com
Safe & Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
you guys are the best. Always fun to read your adventures. also, is that a real picture above? if so, what state?
Good eye, Cate. No, it’s not a a real photo. Jim, an avid student of the school of Frank Di Bona, photoshopped Beauty onto a pic of Denali. I suggested he throw a moose and a bear in there just to clue people in that it’s a mash-up, but nooooo. However, I am hoping to take a real photo this summer. BTW, do you teach landscape photography? If so, I’d love to take your class!
xoxo,
Carmen
Well he learned it from the best. The doctor is a legend at his craft, and clearly Jim is a studious apprentice. I’m a horrible teacher but I know another Airstreamer who holds photography workshops where you’d learn WAY more than anything from me since I’m more of a hobbyist. Kenny LeRose Jr. is his name and he’s on IG @klr_photo or mister airstream. I will go take pics with you anyday though and have fun
Can not wait to hear and see all the beauty you encounter.
Thank you! We’re sqweeeing all the way there! So exciting!
Safe & Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
Awesome, Jim! Can’t wait to follow to adventure.
Chris! How wonderful to hear from you! We are honored to have you on board!
Safe & Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
Are you going it alone? Safe travels!
Hey Janice!
We’re just not into whirlwind vacations. The caravans pace the trip too fast for us so we’re taking our chances going it solo. Thank you for the well-wishes. It’s so encouraging to have you good vibes coming our way.
Safe & Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
You have started an epic adventure! Can’t wait to see the next parts!
Hey Bridy!
You’re right! It’s a loooong way there! Most who fly or cruise to Alaska have no idea the challenges of an overland route – especially with a potential gas crises. Someday we may fly to Alaska to see what we missed, but at this moment it is ALL new to us and that IS epic. Oh no … now that I’m really thinking about it I have the shivers!
Thanks so much for being with us!
Safe & Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
Pork chili verde with no recipe? Guys, come on!
Hey Greg!
Thank you for reminding me of the omission. Here is Jim’s amazing and FAST recipe for delicious pork chili verde that your friends will swear you picked up at a restaurant:
https://livinginbeauty.net/pork-chili-verde/
The recipe is for two – two servings each – each serving is 300 calories. It’s a miracle recipe really. You can double or triple this recipe if you like. Just watch the fluids. It’s spicy!!!
If you make it, let us know what you think. Jim is writing a recipe book of 600 calorie recipes with as much bulk as is physically possible to make for a hearty meal. I think he’s a genius!
Safe & Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
Well the the recipe looks awesome and I’ve got to give it a try. I’ll send a report on the first batch. Had my forest chile verde working in Southgate CA and have been hooked ever since. It is one’s of those dishes that is a little different everywhere we go so I try it all the time just to what the new offers. I must say this recipe looks ¡Sabroso!
Chili Verde is a passion for us too. We make our own carnitas as well and I can’t turn down a plate of huevos rancheros. We’ve been trying to maintain our weight – and not give up beer completely – so Jim developed this recipe to satisfy our cravings for Mexican food. I am trying to nurture a little cilantro plant to take into Alaska … more new on how that goes, haha.
We’re hoping to do this in ‘23. Look forward to following your adventure! Have fun!!
Hey Anne!
We are also studying those who have gone before us. Interestingly, we haven’t really found materials from people who stay for the entire season.
So far the journey has been slow and steady, but in a few weeks things will speed up considerably – and will have to if we are to complete our itinerary.
Thank you for keeping an eye out for us.
Safe & Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
Have you seen the youtube series by Mortons on the Move titled Go North? A wonderful 23 part series on their journey to Alaska.
We are headed to Alaska 2023 from Florida. Mid May to early Sept is our plan.
Hey Gina!
Thanks so much for this pro-info about Alaska:
https://www.mortonsonthemove.com/go-north/
We will try to watch this before crossing the border.
Best wishes for your 2023 journey and thanks so much for being with us.
Safe & Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
Enjoy the Journey and Adventures. Wishing you safe travels. Say Hi to Bulwinkel and Yogi for me 😂 😇
Hey Richard!
I will give them your kind regards. I can’t wait to see them. Thank you for your well-wishes. We treasure them.
Safe & Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
Enjoy and be safe.
Hey Linda!
Safe is our game and enjoy is our name. We thank you for the reminder. Every time we forget something goes wonky.
So great to have you with us!
Safe & Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
Have fun. Susan and I went with friends in 2016. We especially enjoyed our return on the Cassiar Highway, BC 37. Most of the 450 miles was without cell service. Very peaceful and wonderful Provincial parks.
Hey John!
Thank you for the report of your experience. Yes, we hear there are huge gaps in cell service. We have prepared for that as much as is possible with a satellite emergency service. We are staying at quite a few of the Provincial parks. Whew! We’re really, really going …
We can’t wait to dive into the Peace …
Safe & Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
You’re going to have a great trip to AK, but then, it seems no matter where your travels take you, you find beauty and fun! We went in 2018 from mid May to mid August and had the best time! Check out Talkeetna’s 4th of July parade if you get the chance. It’s the cutest little town, and the parade is perfect. That was the only time we made a camping reservation our whole trip. Enjoy, and safe travels!
Hey Marla!
We will be in Talkeetna! Yay!!! Honestly, Jim has planned this whole thing and I am along for the ride. He would tell me everything if I asked, but I want as much as possible to be a surprise. I have looked up some pics of some of the towns but that’s as far as I let it go. I’m so excited. Thank you so much for stoking the fire!
Safe & Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
Safe travel. Enjoy your new adventure.
Hey Cathy!
Thank you so much. What a pleasure to have you with us! Jim says Hi!
Safe & Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
Safe travels! Enjoy your trip.
Hey Alicia!
Thank you so much for joining in the excitement!
Safe & Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
It’s an awesome trip!
So we hear, Vicki!
Thanks so much for being with us. Don’t hold back. Share any tips you are willing to share. I’m sure they will be a blessing to someone.
Safe & Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
Can’t wait to enjoy the trip with you!
We are so happy to have you with us, Lori! There should be around 18 posts describing the highlights.
Safe & Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
Can’t wait – maybe we will follow in 2023….
We’re hearing a lot of people say 2023 is their goal. We sure hope the border stays open and gas prices hold …
Thanks for being with us, Carol!
Safe & Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
🤞👍
Safe travels
Thank you, Barbara! Same to you!
Carmen@LIB
Have fun and be safe!
We’re doing our best, Dewana! When you and Carl getting a rig? Come on! xoxo
Safe & Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
We got 14 chickens and 4 ducks to take care of. But we might get one down the road. Have fun! xoxo
Happy travels!
Thank you, Ronnie! xoxo to you and Joe!
Carmen@LIB
Just keep warm and be careful😇
Thank you, Carmen. Staying warm is a priority! In fact, today I am hitting the outfitter outlet stores here in Seaside. Oregon is the best place to find deals on warm duds!
Thanks so much for being with us!
Safe & Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
2022 is Stella’s year too after the 2020 cancellation!! Hope to see you on the road up in the Great North!
Wonderful to hear that Stella is rarin’ to go, Barb & Ralph! Email us if you think we’re nearby. We would love to meet up!
Safe & Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
Awesome. We’re heading there from Michigan Mid May. Maybe see you on the road? I’d love to share itineraries if you’d like- reach out to me if so!
Hey Barbara!
Our plans are still a bit squishy because we’re waiting to see what happens with the road conditions due to weather. We would love to meet up. If you think we are in your area, email us and we will reach out.
Hope to see you in Alaska!
Safe & Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
Fantastic! I will be tagging along.
That’s great, Mickie! You are in charge of entertainment! xoxo
Safe & Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
What an epic trip! Can’t wait to see your photos and hear your stories. How does Pico feel about snow?
Hey Stan!
Pico hates the cold and snow … We bought him a highly rated dog parka but the last time we tried to put the thing on him he called the ASPCA on us. Other than his wife-beater and old fishermen’s sweater Pico is vehemently anti-dog duds. He will take the necessary walks, but he prefers to stay inside curled up beside the little fake fireplace while he flashes me some very surly side-eye. I wouldn’t be surprised if he filed divorce papers in Anchorage. Staying in the kitchen and whipping up homemade wild boar and sweet potato treats is probably the only thing that keeps him from cutting loose and running to Arizona.
Sign me, A Victim of Toxic Male Chihuahua Syndrome.
xoxo,
Carmen@LIB
Missed that you were in Utah. I am so sorry. Would have made a point to see you. I love you!
Hey Aunt Sue! We were at Deadhorse in Moab – no where close to you and avoiding the pandemic. However, we are working on Utah and Idaho plans. We’ll keep you updated.
xoxo,
Carmen@LIB
Safe travels, an adventure of a lifetime 🏞️🛣️
Yes it is, Rob! Thank you for sharing in the excitement!
Safe & Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
It’s gonna be an adventure, for sure! I drove from Ontario, Canada to Fairbanks, Alaska in ’92. If you get the chance, check out the “Sign Post” in Watson Lake, B. C. I can still taste the Halibut we ate at an outdoor fish fry in Fairbanks.
Hey Kevin!
Thanks for the tips! We’re trying to think of something to post at Sign Post! And, ohhhh…. Halibut! yes we will find some of that! Can’t wait!
Thanks so much for sharing in the excitement!
Safe & Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
We are so excited to hear you are going to Alaska. We drove up in 1980, in a Dodge van, with our tiny tent, a camp stove, paper maps, and no plans whatsoever, except make it to Denali. We have an Alaska trip planned for 2023, with our Airstream, a 60 gallon fuel tank for our Ford truck (plus quite a few other extras – especially double spare tires for the trailer and the truck), a Garmin inReach Mini, and a fully-planned itinerary, on RV Trip Wizard. We will be following your trip closely, as not only will it be an inspiring read, but it will better help prepare us. And yes – we still bring paper maps.
Mary Kay!
You are true explorers! Yes! The Garmin inReach Mini is our kit as well. It’s a new feature for us. It took coming across a rattler on the trail last year to wake us up, but now we are more confident without that vital communication device. Hope we never need it. Great travel tip for ANYWHERE – especially in remote areas of the Alaska interior.
Thank you for following. Please feel free to chime in anytime – you can always email us if you want more info or to give us more helpful advice.
Safe & Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
Be safe you two! What an adventure! Enjoy~
Thank you for joining us, Helen! We hope to treasure every moment!
Safe & Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
We’ll be watching closely. We plan to follow you to Alaska next year. Happy trails
Lynn!
What a joy to have you on the journey!
Safe & Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
LOVE ya’lls web page! BEAUTIFULLY put together!! “Table Book”……I”m tellin ya!! Your pics are AMAZING!!!!
Debra!!!
One of these days I plan to send you a file with all of the best pics. Thanks so much for keeping an eye on us.
Jim is the web page guy. It’s his rainy-day hobby and I agree that he does a great job.
One of these days we need to meet you and Janine in NOLA!
Love you gal!
Safe & Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
Keep in mind we visit Nola AFTER storm season! Right before Thanksgiving is GREAT as the city is decorated for Christmas!! Beautiful!! We have been for Thanksgiving AND for Christmas. It’s just beautiful!! (I’ll send you a few pics!!) There is even caroling in Jackson Square with the Mayor and they hand out candles to everyone….WAX BURNS FOR EVERYONE!! (Don’t ask me what year this was…2008!)
Enjoy your trip
We are grateful for your well-wishes, Terry!
Onward!!!
Safe & Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
Oh, what a great title photo! I am greatly looking forward to reading your posts. Safe journey!
Kathy, that title photo is a piece of work – one of Jim’s rainy day activities. I hope you had a great time in Texas. I LOVE your bird photos! One of these days we need to go on a birding expedition together so I can see how you get such great shots.
Thanks for being with us. Safety in numbers!!!
Safe & Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
Happy travels, you guys!
Your excitement overflows and it is lovely – what an adventure and more especially, I believe, with the anticipation having built up for much longer than initially thought…I really enjoyed your sharing on The ‘Bu as I lived there many years ago. Nice to revisit through your experiences.
Have fun!
Sabrina!!!
It is always a delight to hear from you. How fortunate you are to have lived in that enchanting land. We missed some of the sights we had planned to see – and almost all of the hikes – but we hope to go back again someday. Our little beach boy, Pico de Gallo loves it there.
Thank you for keeping an eye out for us, Sabrina.
Safe & Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
Have a great time!!!
Thank you, Melinda! Wish you were here. Keep an eye out for us. We’ll back south before you know it. xoxo
Safe & Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
Looks beautiful. Wish we were there too! Looking forward to seeing you when you come back!
Travel safe!
We do our best, Jimmy! Thank you for the well-wishes.
Safe & Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
We did it in 2017. I highly suggest going up the Cassier Hwy and back the AlCan!! A great trip. And buy a recent copy of the Milepost, well worth it.
Of course, you’ll need current vaccination papers for animals
Hey Guy!
That route sounds like a great plan. Thank you. We’ve been reading the latest edition of Milepost. It came in the mail the day it was released. Pico is covered for vaccines by our wonderful veterinarian in Coronado and we have all of the documents scanned and in our document file on our iPhones. We also have paper copies in the glove compartment. Great tips!
So happy to have you with us!
Safe & Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
Enjoy! Love following Beauty!
We are delighted you joined the journey, Liz!
Safe and Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
We love your writing. We love both Getty Museums too, plus have camped at Malibu Creek State Park. We’ll check out the one you stayed out as well.
Hey Janice
Thanks for sharing Malibu Creek State Park: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=614
That park is a great option for our next trip through Malibu. We stayed at the Malibu Beach because we’d always seen it from the highway and going there fulfilled a fantasy – but it is expensive. Staying by the month is a better deal, but we just didn’t have the time.
The wind came up when we were there – sometimes with 40mph gusts – up on that hill you take quite a beating. It might be nicer, in heavy winds, to be down beside the creek.
Being able to camp near the Getty museums is one of the best things about Malibu. We also so many RVers enjoying the free camping along the highway – mostly surfers I think.
Thank you so much for being with us!
Safe & Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
Best of luck on your adventure and I hope for a safe trip there and back again! Looking forward to your blog posts. Recommend you take a couple of things with you based on the experience of our friends Sean and Tanja who have made the trek to Alaska like four times. Put a rack on top of Da Beast and carry extra tires up there for both the truck and trailer (unmounted). Their experience was that while they couldn’t find replacement tires in the middle of nowhere, there was always someone with a tire mounting machine. They also carried a flat fix kit if you don’t have one (I can’t remember if that is part of your kit or not). They also carried extra diesel in a non-red fuel container. Red screams “FUEL” and “STEAL ME” to would be thieves. I can’t remember what color they had, might have been yellow to match their truck. Anyway, just wanted to pass that on while I was thinking about it.
Hey Steve!
Thank you for the tips. The potential for road hazards in the middle of nowhere is the primary reason we waited. Watch and learn is a time-honored strategy. We have spares mounted under the rig (the lift helped with that project). Jim has a theory that since we’re only traveling short distances – no crazy-long all-day treks – that we will not stress the tires in the way that so many Alaska-bound motorists must do in order to cover the territory within a time crunch. It’s just a theory though. We shall see. We have time to change our minds. The can of diesel is a great idea too. These next few weeks before crossing the border will be loaded with decisions and prep activities.
So great to hear from you Steve. Your well-wishes mean the world to us.
Safe & Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
Have an awesome trip!
Thank you, Judy! Best to you and Michael!
xoxo,
Carmen@LIB
Can’t wait to follow your travels on this trip! Xoxoxo to you and Jim!
How exciting! Can’t wait to follow along! Still love all your pics.
We are delighted to have you on the Alaska journey, Brenda!
Hang on, it should be a fun ride!!!
Safe & Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
Splendid views! You guys are so lucky
We’re so glad to share the view with you Liz. Thanks so much for being here and bringing your sense of wonder. The world is beautiful.
Safe & Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
Our trip is in the not too distant future. Will be following your journey!
Hey Amy!
We’ve been watching and (hopefully) learning from others for years now. It truly is the journey of a lifetime. There should be about 18 posts in all, covering the highlights.
Thank you for joining us!
Safe & Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
From the forever friends: what great memories of that day. Thanks for including pics of us in the LIB gallery. It really gave Sam a lift to see that you put in a link to her site.
Good luck on the great northwest trip. Say hello to Sgt Preston of the Yukon and his dog Yukon King
Jim!
More research! Now I have to watch this show before we get there: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeagipoZmyflV19I-HkrESjQ1Q2SNm-FH
Love you guys SO much!
Let’s zoom during the Northern Lights!
xoxo,
Carmen@LIB
Zoom the aurora will probably be as close as I’ll ever get to fulfilling that bucket list item
Check this out:
https://spacetourismguide.com/northern-lights-united-states/
You will love it!!! ❤️ Safe travels
Hey Alex! Thank you for sharing in the fun.
Safe & Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
Be safe and enjoy
Thank you, Melody! We are doing our best to make this a safe pleasure trip. We are up for adventure … but only “so much” … that’s why we’re taking every precaution and going s-l-o-w …
Safe & Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
Wow – enjoy every moment!
We hope to Joe! xoxo to you and Ronnie!!!
Safe & Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
How exciting, have a safe trip!
Thank you for the travel blessing, Shannon!
Safe & Happy Travels! Jim says Hi!
Carmen@LIB
Safe travels guys! You know Mom & Dad went to Alaska in ’84. I think there were 5 rigs and they were gone all summer. I have Mom’s journal around here somewhere. We just moved into our apartment and it is still chaos, so not sure where it is at the moment. May the travel gods be with you and enjoy the adventure!
Hey Cyndie! How are the new digs! I read about your progress on Facebook. No pressure but we’d love to have a peek at Coqueeze’s journal if you find it. Email us your new address if you want a postcard from Alaska!
xoxo,
Carmen@LIB
My friends. I am wishing you a solar storm that lights up the evening/night sky with a resplendent aurora borealis. BTDT. Best of luck and safe travels on the northern trek and return to USA. Looking forward to your posts as the Big A is the only state I have not visited. Also looking forward to your Beauty and Beast road trip to Hawaii, Porto Rico, Wake, and Guam… 😉
Hey Herb! World affairs being what they are right now 😵💫 you’ve been our minds. Oh, absolutely we’re up for pulling Beauty and the Beast onto a random banana boat and sail off for some forgotten island where we can be hunter-gathers and live on fish, coconuts and papayas. It’s kind of always on my mind … Before long we plan to check out the Baja beaches and wine country. We hope you are well, wherever you are. Email us your address if you’d like a postcard from Alaska. xoxo
Safe & Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
We can’t wait to read your posts! 👍
Thank you, Carol! So wonderful to have you along for the journey!
Safe & Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
Have a great adventure!!
Thank you, Marci!
xoxo to you and Ken! See you soon!
Safe & Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
I will be following you on this excellent adventure! I am hoping I can do an Alaska trip next year so we’ll be really interested in your experiences. Travel safe and having a wonderful time!
Carl!!!! Great to hear from you! We’ve just pulled into Washington. It’s not as cold on The Puget Sound as it was in Oregon. Hanging out The Sound would probably be a fine way to wait out the thaw but there are some things we want to see so we will be crossing into Canada in a couple of weeks.
It’s good to have you here. Thanks for keeping an eye on us!
Safe & Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
Another amazing post, Carmen. Steve and I enjoy every minute. We just returned to Michigan from two months in Florida. I miss Lola (Flying Cloud) from the minute she heads back into storage. I must say, your posts don’t help but they do inspire and motivate.
Several years back you told me you were taking photos with a Nikon mirrorless camera. I bought one and I’m not fond of it. What type of camera are you using now, same one?
Kathy! So sorry you don’t like the Nikon. I like it and still use it from time to time because of the powerful zoom which I think is better for capturing birds from a distance – but my #1 camera is now the Sony RX100. I just wrote a review on in Our Gear on our website. The pocket sized Sony was recommended by Bob Krist who teaches a master class. I decided to spend the big bucks and I am thrilled with the quality with this little powerhouse and I haven’t even begun to tap it’s apparently limitless capabilities. Here’s my review: https://livinginbeauty.net/product/sony-rx100-vii/
Best to you, Steve & sweet Lola. Thank you so much for your encouragement and advice along the way.
Safe & Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
The best trip of my life.
Keep the encouragement coming, Airstream RoadTrip! Any advice on where to eat in Seward? And thank you so much for being here!!!
Safe & Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
You will love Alaska!
I think you may be right! I just hope it warms up a bit! We just pulled into Washington today. It will be in the mid-30’s tonight. Sheesh!!! Adventuring is COLD!!!
Safe & Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
Respect for all the detailed data u have kept up.. inspired.
Oh my, that’s Jim’s doing. He’s amazing, yes? Up to the moment precision data, that’s Jim. It’s so great to have you with us!
Safe & Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
Great post. I like the idea of a prayer/song before a journey. I will start doing that. We will be following your posts more closely as you head to Alaska. We were scheduled for the 2020 Airstream Caravan to Alaska before COVID. We are hoping that next year will work out. Happy Trails!
Hey Streamininshiny!
I always look for signs, but Thomas Merton’s Prayer of Unknowing is a keeper in these uncertain times which have always been uncertain it’s just we are all really really good at veiling our fear sometimes better than others:
My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think I am following Your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please You does in fact please You. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that, if I do this, You will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it. Therefore I will trust You always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for You are ever with me, and You will never leave me to face my perils alone. Amen.
Just so wonderful to have you with us. xoxo
Safe & Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
Love you guys. Love your heart. Love your adventurous spirit. Love that your our friends. Love your pictures. Love living vicariously thru y’all. Love that we’ll see you again, God willing. Love the recipe and think it would be a great addition to each post. Okay, we just really love y’all!!! Safe travels, follow that gut instinct and catch us when you circle back to come up for air!
🌼 Margie,
Goes two ways, Gal 💕 All that mushy stuff right back to you all.
See you soon,
xoxo
Carmen & Jim
Safe travels. Carmen your reading of this episode is superb. Your photography provides the perfect compliment to a well written piece. Keep up the good work.
Well, hey there Pete you Listener, you! ☺️ Thank you so much! I try to keep in practice with the voice-over. I must get this story-telling thing from my great grandfather who would sit on the porch steps of his Alabama farm house and give the weather report to anyone who came by – but he also applied funny stories and intermittent tunes on his harmonica – a real character.
Thank you for dropping by Pete. Don’t be a stranger.
Safe & Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
A dream
That’s the word I was grasping for. Thank you, Pier!
Safe & Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
Best Trip I ever made.
Now that’s GREAT news! Thank you Michael. I hope the anticipation isn’t the best part.
Safe & Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
We are heading to Alaska in mid-July. Will be reading your posts!
Hey Debbie! How cool is that! We should still be there in July. We plan to stay as long as possible, weather permitting.
Safe & Happy Travels to Alaska!!! 2022 or Bust!
Carmen@LIB
Can’t wait to hear even more of the adventure to Alaska! Safe travels!
Thanks for the encouragement, Roy!
Safe & Happy Travels! Keep it coming – we may need it 🫣
Carmen@LIB
Looking forward to seeing updates.
Thank you, Sharon. We will do our best. There will be some huge dead spots for cell service so there may be some gaps, but we’re excited about the challenge.
Great to have you with us!
Safe & Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
I know I’m not supposed to be jealous, but I am SOOOOOOOOO jealous. We had planned to go to Alaska in 2020 and, well, ya know… Are you making reservations or just winging it? I’ll be curious to see how busy things are this year, but from what I had read, there’s so much roadside camping, you really don’t have to overplan.
However it all shakes out, you’re gonna go from one extreme to the other, starting in sunny southern California and ending on the frozen tundra of Alaska. It’s gonna be EPIC and I can’t wait to follow it all!! Stay safe out there!
Hey Laura!
Woo-hoo! I needed that pep-talk! The chihuahua isn’t much encouragement. He may never forgive us for Alaska. Even at this moment he is casting surly side-eye for this Washington night in the mid-30’s. He’ll make it through and will eventually forgive us but it’s going to cost us a lot of Arizona.
Yes, we booked pretty solid but it’s all refundable without penalties. You know how it is – you gotta get there to find the goods. We’d prefer to do a mix of dry and partial and full-hook ups but we will give up a spot for better views – and from what we’ve learned the best views are often free. Yes, we’ll see how it all shakes out. SO exciting!!!
Thank you for checking in and big hugs to Thor xoxo
Safe & Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
Always wanted to go to the Getty. Still on my list. You guys be careful and have fun. Two things that you already know how to do. Checked out the banners to order online. That’s the bomb. Love you guys, Linda Sanders
Linda!!! Thanks for checking in. The posters are a kind of insider’s thing at the Getty Store. They don’t put them out, you have to ask. They keep a catalog of what they have in stock and then they go to the back to pull them out. Some of the banners are in better condition than others and they mark them according to their quality. Craftspeople buy them in quantity and make the most wonderful sturdy soft luggage and backpacks out of them. In Texas you can probably find a good leather worker to make anything you want out of them. You never have concerns about identifying your luggage on the turnstile at the airport.
Always great to hear from you! Until we meet again …
Safe & Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
Good luck on your trip to Alaska..I have heard some good, bad, and ugly about that trip, but I know you are going to love it.
Hey James!
Wonderful to hear from you. Yes, we’ve heard reports – everything from horrifying to absolute bliss. Prepare for the worst and expect the best is our strategy. So far, so good. Can’t wait to enter the Yukon!
Safe & Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
Very best of luck to you.
We will do that trip as we have always wanted to. Be safe and enjoy.
Jim, your travels are so inspiring. I predict that you and Carmen will especially enjoy Homer, Alaska. It’s a beautiful “little” city and arts mecca. Have an amazing adventure in the last frontier.
Leah!
Thank you. Homer is on the itinerary. We hope The Pier One Theatre will have something in production. So wonderful to hear from you! We look forward to seeing you next time we pass through Santa Fe!
Safe & Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
So glad you are visiting Homer. I can’t believe it, but I was there (gulp) 20 years ago. Fished for halibut nearby, successfully! And absolutely I’m counting on you to let me know when you are in New Mexico. All my best.
I live in Alaska. One disadvantage of resident vs tourist is the resident doesn’t or take the time to see what tourists see. I grew up in Arizona and drove past the Grand Canyon a few times but never saw it til I got a job there. So I will be following your adventures. I’ll probably learn something. Usually go south to travel always say this year I’m traveling here at home. Oh and FYI I live 50 miles from a small town up on a mountain not in one of our cities which actually is just like your with snow
Hey Bruce!
We have a lot in common. Jim and I are finally seeing the Bay Area north of Santa Barbara. We’ve lived in California for all or most of our lives and this is our first time to see San Francisco together.
From what I have read, the introduction of cheap air-fare in the early 80’s began the trend for locals to abandon exploring their own localities. It’s just human nature to go as far as your money will take you. But since Covid, more people are traveling closer to home, acquiring camping gear and taking the homeschooling family out on field trips. I hope traveling closer to home is a trend that sticks around for a while.
Thanks for following along on our low and slow journey to Alaska. It’s a pleasure to have you aboard!
Safe & Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
Alaska, here you come! And you won’t be alone. Everyone we met on the road in Baja and many of our RV friends are heading that way this summer. Most are somewhere in … Oregon right now. 🙂 It will be a spectacular trip – Enjoy!!
Loved your snapshots and stories of LA. The food looks delicious. We are preparing for sticker shock tomorrow, when we return to the US (San Diego!) after 3.5 months in Baja.
Liesbet! Apologies for the late response. We’re in the Olympic National Forest with really poor connectivity.
Dang! So sorry we missed you in San Diego. Do you have a house-sitting job there?
Baja, we hope, is in the near future. We will go to your blog and study up!
Safe & Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
I wish you safe travels, and looking forward to seeing you in SoCal!
Hey Kathy,
We are holding your travel wishes close. Thank you so much for keeping a light on for us in San Diego. Hopefully, we will not be limping back home, battle scarred from the journey.
Safe & Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
What did you do to your airstream to prepare for the roads to Alaska? Different tires? Lift kit? Other??
Hey Carol!
We prepared the rig before the pandemic with a lift kit, new axles, new tires, checked the brakes and repacked the bearings, had a hitch inspection, had a leak test, new lithium batteries and some other proactive work. When we left San Francisco, we went to our technician Vinnie Lamica at Vinnie’s Northbay Airstream Repair (http://www.vinniesairstream.com) to check the bearings and inspect the hitch. There will be more about that in our next post. Thanks for asking! It’s SO important.
Safe & Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
You are living the dream!!! Miss you guys!!!