beautiful, beautiful Haines, Alaska …

With the last day of our fun and relaxing week in Whitehorse, Yukon being Canada Day (July 1), we decided to head to Alaska so that we could then celebrate July 4 in the USA. One week … two parades, two celebrations.

We chose Skagway, Alaska for our Independence Day celebration as it was only a two hour drive from Whitehorse, they were known for their “family fun” festivities, and as the driest place in Southeast Alaska we thought we could enjoy some nice weather.

Well …. it seems their annual rainfall of 26 inches all occurred during our visit. With nonstop rains since our arrival, there was some vague talk of possible flooding of our beautiful campground located along a scenic river, five miles outside of town (away from the 5000+ cruise ship passengers that arrive daily). Today, after a fun parade and some other patriotic activities, we learned that the river had reached flood levels and that the campground will flood this evening and campers are encouraged to evacuate.

It was suggested that we move the RV to the local ball field, where other people were camping. When we arrived at the ball fields, there were several police cars there, evacuating all campers, as it too was a possible flood area.

We are currently parked in a beautiful field, along with the other refugees, near the train tracks. From our window, we get to see steam locomotives chug on by …..

The good news is that we plan to leave tomorrow via ferry, rather than the road, as there was a landslide along the one and only road into Skagway and it is now closed. The ferry will take us and the RV to Haines, Alaska, where we will spend a few (hopefully dry) days ….

Where the scenery is lovely, the temps are cool, the cost is low ($12 CAD / night), the mosquitoes are large and abundant, the firewood is plentiful and free, and the water is non potable (must be boiled for two minutes before use) ….

Love, love, love BC ….the people, the scenery, the politics …. if it weren’t so dang cold here, I would think seriously about living here!!