July 29 to 31st - Mini Rally in Terrace

 July 29 to 31st - Mini Rally in Terrace

We knew Randy and entourage were heading to Terrace on Sunday, so Vadie and I went to Terrace on Saturday night.  We washed the coach, one less coach to wash when the group arrived.  We moved the coach around so we could plug into power and were set up for the night.  A short while later Vadie heard strange noises, I didn’t as I was not wearing my hearing aids, then went to look outside to see what what going on.

Wow, to her surprised there was billowing black smoke coming from the rear of the coach, and she yelled out, I did not need my hearing aids to hear her.  We both rushed outside, I pulled the power plug then opened the engine hatch and turned off the master DC switch, and the fire and smoke supsided quickly – one of the two battery chargers had burnt up.  I removed the AC and DC wires and restored power to the coach, but we did not sleep well Saturday evening.

On Sunday morning, we moved the coach down to Hwy 16 so the group could see us.  Vadie and I went shopping and when we came back it was quite a sight to see, all the coaches lined up side by side.  It was perfect timing as they had just arrived.

Just off Hwy 16 in Terrace, BC

We all moved up to where I store Vadie’s coach during the winter time.  This was going to be home base for one night, the plan was to head to Prince Rupert on Monday afternoon. 

Randy put me on a mission, they needed a set of moose antlers.

The coaches were all washed, and Vadie was busy making dinner.  Nancy helped with the dessert.

Washing Randy`s coach

Dinner consisted of – Vegetarian chili, salad with kickass homemade dressing, also strawberries and ice cream for dessert.

After dinner we went for a ride around Terrace, one to show the sights and the other so we could get internet and phone service.

Being a sort of mini rally, which we sort of hosted, we had got the “Americans WOGgers” something they could take home. As you can see by the pics it was a number of good Canadian “EH” things.  They had to get Canadianized LOL.

 Hmmm Randy is almost Canadian

 Cliff and Barbara being Canadianized

 Randy and Carol too

Oh no, Jim and Nancy too

On Monday, we headed to Kitimat. One of the first stops was to see a friend of mine, Dave Brousseau. 

Dave Brousseau and Carol

There, my mission, was fulfilled – the moose antlers.

 My mission fulfilled

 As you can see by the pics they were “moosing around”. 

 Randy wants to grow horns

 Jim had no trouble growing his

 Way to heavy for Cliff

Dave gave them two moose antlers as well as moose and caribou meat. Wow what a haul.

We toured around Kitimat, where we saw the Giant Spruce Tree,

Tree many hundred of years old

  then onto Kitimaat Village and had a long discussion with a totem carver.  He had just started carving a 38 foot Red Cedar tree.

We travelled back to Terrace to check out another wood carver.  He was not there but we were allowed to go and check the carving out, in all states.  We finally got hold of the carver and the ladies went back to purchase some of the items, Barbara came back with the biggest haul of 5 items.

We were all getting hungry, and as the time had disappeared so quickly, the group decided to stay in Terrace and head to Prince Rupert in the am (short 100 mile drive).

 Our campsite

 Group travelling along Hwy 16 toward Prince Rupert

 Do you think those young lads had fun during the evening - What is that thing.

July 22 to ?? - At home in Kitimat BC

Well, for now, we have a number of things to take care of here in Kitimat, before we head out for our longer trip.
We hope to meet a group of BlueBird WOGgers who have travelled up through Alaska and are coming through the Terrace area, we had hoped to meet them at Meziadin Lake, but that cannot happen. When we meet them, we will certainly have pics and we will post them,
Other than that, Vadie and I both have to get our health in order.

So do keep in touch with reading the blog and hopefully once a week till we get on the road again I will update what is happening.

Oh yes, we also have to get some things done on the bus too, oil leaks, coolant leaks, air leaks and the step will not go in.

So, thanks for reading and whatever you are doing - enjoy yourself.

July 21st, 2012 – Smithers BC to Kitimat, BC

July 21st, 2012 – Smithers BC to Kitimat, BC

Weather – Overcast and cool

Total Mileage this trip - 3457.7                   Mileage today -                164.0

Drove to Terrace and dropped off most of the clay. 

 Moricetown Canyon

All were very helpful with unloading.

We were hoping in seeing the Kermodei bear but that was not to happen today.

When we got home, we looked at all the changes that Dave has made, as well as the good work he has done by looking after our property for us.

 

As I was unhitching the trailer from the coach, I noticed that the cooling system was leaking steadily from the circulating pump.  Will have to look closer at that, could be just the hoses.

We finished unloading the trailer, wow, this was quite a chore, as we still had to unload almost 4000 lbs.

Dave had made dinner for us as well, what a renter, we are going to keep him LOL.

July 20th, 2012 – Valemount, BC to Smithers BC

July 20^th, 2012 – Valemount, BC  to Smithers BC

Weather – Clear and warm

Total Mileage this trip - 3293.7                   Mileage today -                417.8

The trip started out smoothly, everything was working except the two front jacks, they leak profusely.

We stopped in Prince George and I noticed that the leak at the circulating pump was getting greater, as well as a small oil leak.  These will have to be checked out before we head on our larger vacation.

 Prince George Railway bridge - high water

 Welcome to Prince George

Kermodei Bear Statue

During the trip we encountered nice weather and some not so nice like, thunderstorm, lightening and torrential downpours. 

We also had numerous delays due to road construction, but this is the norm for up here. 

                               The long endless road                         Largest Rod - Houston BC

When we got to Smithers, we stayed at the Safeway parking lot and had a good evening, the weather was cool, down to 15 deg.

We saw a number of wildlife 6 deer, 2 black bears  and 1 moose.

July 19th, 2012 – Stu and Theresa’s – Valemount BC

July 19^th, 2012 – Stu and Theresa’s  – Valemount BC

Weather – Scattered clouds, warm, when sun was out - hot

Total Mileage this trip - 2876.9                   Mileage today -                0 

A rather quiet day today.

We completed wiring the main part of Stu’s boat trailer under a tarp to keep the sun off.

 He has yet to put in some waterproof boxes at the rear corner of each side. 

We had decided to take Stu and Theresa out for dinner, to thank them for all of their wonderful hospitality.  We decided to go to the pub,  as the Donair place was closed and the restaurant was filling with patrons from bus tours – yikes. 

At the end of the meal the waitress came to us and said that Aron, Stu’s friend and co-owner of the place, said he would pick up the tab for all the food, so all I had to spring for was the drinks.  Thanks Aron.

The dogs behaved themselves in the back yard while we were gone – which is good.

We then played  croquet and completed cleaning up to get ready to leave in the am.  Stu trimmed some pine tree branches so I could park just off the roadway.  We  dumped the sewer, filled with water and got the coach ready to drive right on out.

July 18th, 2012 – Stu and Theresa’s Place – Valemount BC

July 18^th, 2012 – Stu and Theresa’s  – Valemount BC

Weather – Scattered clouds, warm, when sun was out - hot

Total Mileage this trip - 2876.9                                Mileage today -                0 

Theresa headed off to work this am, and about 1 hour later she was home again.  They did not require her services today, so she went home.  Vadie and her, went  to check the craft area out, very expensive, then went to check the antique stores but both were closed.

Another rather quiet day for myself as well, we did however start on wiring up Stu’s boat trailer.  He has built a tri axle trailer with hydraulic brakes to pull his converted fishing vessel about. 

Stu contemplating how the wires are to go.

Wiring the control box

He is till in the process of remodelling the boat. 

$quanderlodgeII with Stu's boat

On one of Vadie's walks with the dogs, she came across a wild strawberry patch and picked these wonderful strawberries

Another great evening, great dinner, then playing games, croquet, bocce and crib.

The evening weather was good to us, so the dogs slept peacefully.

July 17th, 2012 – Stu and Theresa’s – Valemount BC

July 17^th, 2012 – Stu and Theresa’s  – Valemount BC

Weather – Scattered clouds, muggy and warm

Total Mileage this trip - 2876.9                                  Mileage today -                0 

Another quiet day.  With a number of left over items at Stu’s place I made a CB antenna, although not many people use CB’s anymore. Well, I have one in case anyone wants to talk to me.

We puttered around, cleaning things up but not really doing anything.

As usual, we ate great meals.

After dinner, we played both croquet and bocce. While playing bocce, ours is steel balls, Stu was in the process of throwing and caught Dusty, the oldest furry friend, on the side of the head, and he started to bleed.  He now has a huge lump right.  Sure glad last night he seemed to rest comfortably.

As we were going to bed, the lightning and thunder started – well that did it for Bruce.  Again as a couple of nights previous, trying to settle him down was almost impossible, so the night was long. 

July 16th, 2012 – Stu and Theresa’s Place – Valemount BC

July 16^th, 2012 – Stu and Theresa’s Place  – Valemount BC

Weather – Sunny, clear and hot

Total Mileage this trip - 2876.9                                  Mileage today -                0 

I went to bed early last night and had a good sleep.  I was up early and checked my emails, forums and updated the blog.

I had the dash apart to sort out the mirrors, as they were not working correctly, as well as checking out the radio antenna.  So now the radio works, and the mirrors work they way I want them too.

Stu had another electrical job, hanging up 2  - 7500 watt heaters in his shop.  This task went smoothly and finished the job fairly quickly.

Theresa made dinner with all the leftovers, and it tasted delicious.

After dinner we played croquet and a dice game.

Today was an easy and restful day.

July 15th, 2012 –Stu and Theresa’s Place – Valemount BC

July 15^th, 2012 –Stu and Theresa’s Place – Valemount BC

Weather – Overcast, windy and warm

Total Mileage this trip - 2876.9                                  Mileage today -                0 

Thank goodness, there does seem to be no ill effects from Jake’s seizure last night.  He got up this morning, tail wagging and ready to go outside.

The wind blew hard all day; it kept the mosquitoes at bay and temperature nice.

For most part of the day, we worked inside to do one of Stu’s projects, provide power to the inside corner for a cook stove during hot days, as well as for a RV receptacle.  Since the ceiling was open, and he was renovating his kitchen, he needed power for the dishwasher, so this was an extra job we tackled at the same time.

Theresa was at work today, and Vadie said that she would make supper.  We had chicken baked in a crock pot with apple stuffing (keeps chicken moist).  Along with the chicken we had yam, carrots, potatoes, salad and for dessert, cake, strawberries and whipped cream.  It was delicious.

After supper, we relaxed by playing croquet.The furry ones had their own version, as Vadie gave them food balls, and they pushed them all over the grass trying to get the food out of them.  Jake even managed to get one through a hoop.

July 14th, 2012 –Stu and Theresa's place– Valemount BC

July 14^th, 2012 –Stu and Theresa's place– Valemount BC

Weather – Sunny, clear and hot

Total Mileage this trip - 2876.9                                   Mileage today -                0 

Today was supposed to be a rest day, but Stu and I decided to work on the coach instead.  First we decided to find out why the trailer had no clearance lights.  

Thankful it was in the plug and was a fairly easy fix.  Since we were back there, one of the lights was reversed, brake light vs clearance light, so we fixed that too.  Now we were really rolling, some of the battery connections had corrosion, so all of the batteries were removed, connections cleaned, tray cleaned and washed and then all reinstalled. 

Before I closed the rear hatch cover, I checked the engine oil and it needed a minor topup so that was done. Next, since I have a small leak from the antifreeze pump (for coach heat) I topped it up as well.

Enough of that.  Now onto Stu’s projects.  He has a number of electrical projects, one is supplying power to the coach when I am here LOL.  In his commercial shop, he also wants to install electric heaters, so that will happen over the next couple of days.

Theresa/Vadie made a lovely dinner.  Just after dinner, we could hear the dogs barking, and not the usual sound, so I went out and checked, I find the front door window pushed open and Bruce has jumped out and gone into the back yard, well the other two wanted to go as well but I guess were afraid of the height. We brought the other two into the back yard and played with them for a while. 

Later that evening, we played bocce, roasted a few marshmallows then decided to turn in early.

 Bruce - 3 year old cocker

 Dusty - 15 year old cockerpoo

Jake - 3 year old Cocker

Jake and Dusty were on the bed, and Bruce beside the bed, I was almost asleep and Vadie was playing games on the tablet, when Jake kicked me furousily, something he never does.  I awoke, and Jake was like in another land, twitching, heart was racing - an epilyptic seizure.  Wow this was scary.

Vadie got on the phone to the vet in Valemount, and there is not much one can do, keep him calm and cool.

Not sure how long the seizure lasted, maybe 5-8 minutes, then trying to calm him down took forever, but finally around 1:30am he was resting comfortably like a baby in my arms.  

Then, all of a sudden the wind started blowing 30-40 kph, the awnings were making a noise, and since Vadie still was not settled, she went out and pulled up all the awnings.

Wow, what a night.

July 13th, 2012 –Carvel Ab – Valemount BC

July 13^th, 2012 –Carvel Ab – Valemount BC

Weather – Sunny, clear and hot

Total Mileage this trip - 2876.9                                  Mileage today -                277.2 

Before I tell the rest of today’s story, I have a few things to talk about John.  John is a Railway Engineer, but his hobby is going to garage, auctions, antique and junk places, Pick-a-Part is one of them.  In 14 months or 

cash register - refurbished - even the tape works

so, he will be ready to retire, and as many things he says, “wait till I retire”.  Oh my, he will be a hundred years old before he can retire from all the projects he has.  Other than the many “Honey To Do” items on the list I will show you some pics.

84 Bluebird – always something to do (putting up ceiling lights in garage)

52 Oldsmobile 98

52 Ford Ranch Wagon (my favourite)

1930 ?? – this one really needs work LOL

AND these that do not need much work, just to get out and enjoy.

 1954 Ford Pickup

1930 Model A?

 Early 70’s Boler (mother-in-law suite behind the 84 BB??)

Ahhh, John and Debbie, just have fun with all your toys, see you again soon.

We said our goodbye to them and headed west – my fortune cookie the night before told me that as I head West, I will find unexpected happiness.

As we were travelling west, Vadie ate an avocado, after her last bite, her tongue and throat felt tingly.  She asked where the closest hospital was, and we were still about 30 miles from Edson Ab.  She took some Benadryl and we headed to the hospital.  The doctor examined her, found that she had high blood pressure and the back of her throat was swollen.  He believed that it was an allergic reaction to the avocado, and suggested that she eats no more at least till she gets home.  All of this added an additional 2 hours to our trip, but at least she feels fine again.

We kept an eye out for Gerry's place, he has a lot of old buses, motorhomes, cars and other things there.

Travco

Coming through the park, we saw caribou as well as mountain goats, male, female and kids.

 Goats and kids

Hwy 16 west

We arrived at Stu and Theresa’s, parked the coach and trailer, then went to a fund raising party for some local women with cancer.  There was a good turnout and the food and music was great.