Roll Call Alaska 2016

lizzie wrote:
fanrgs: We have already been to Waterton-Glacier, several times. We also came up through the Okanagan Valley in May. I agree that it was special. We have an appointment in Sacramento, then will travel on I-80 to Reno for another family stop. After that???? Incidentally, I bought a great book on Alaskan Roadside geology and we have been busy looking at rocks everywhere we go. We mostly pick up the pretty ones! Wish your were here. lizzie

Wish I were there too, lizzie. I am going to a conference in Fairbanks in June, so instead of this year, 2017 will be our next trip to Alaska. Glad you got the Alaska roadside geology book--most states have them now, but a full set could get pretty costly! And glad you saw the Hyder bears too!

If you need an RV park in Reno, the Gold Ranch Casino & RV Park in Verdi has paved roads, very nice concrete parking pads, grass between spaces, nice trees (especially in the back corner), heated pool, private showers, and a nice laundry. It is also not too far west of town, only one exit from a huge Cabella's store, and very convenient to Lake Tahoe. Because it is a little higher and nearer the mountains, it is slightly cooler than RV parks in town too. Of course, if your family is in Sparks or Carson City, it might be a little far away.

If you haven't traveled it before, take "The Loneliest Road in America" (US 50) instead of I-80 after you leave Reno. You will really get a taste of Nevada's Basin & Range topography and geology. We took that route last summer on our way home from California and really enjoyed it. We stopped overnight in Ely to visit the Ruth Copper Mine and ride the train and in Baker to visit Great Basin National Park. The NP road up Wheeler Peak was actually more picturesque and challenging than I expected.

Have a great trip home no matter how you go! And, if you decide to come through Denver, PM me and we will try to get together for dinner.