Hello! Our names are Dave and June Wentworth from Gonvick, Minnesota. For years we have dreamed of taking a trip to Alaska. When we had the money, we didn’t have the time and when we had the time, we didn’t have the money. We are in our late 60’s and decided if we were going to go, we better do it soon.
We own a 34′ motorhome but it doesn’t get very good mileage (9 mpg downhill with a tailwind). We estimated that we would spend over $2000 just for fuel. Also, because of the motorhome’s age, we were worried that we would have a breakdown that could be very expensive. We could not afford to spend nights in hotels and eat out all the time. Since we are retired, we just couldn’t see how we could afford to take this trip. One evening, we were discussing our dreams and concerns with our daughter and son-in-law when they suggested that we take their teardrop instead.
Day 1 – August 4
We set out on the morning of August 4, 2003 from Gonvick, Minnesota. We picked up US 2 just south of Gonvick and stayed on that route to Havre, Montana. We decided to stay off the Interstate as US 2 travels directly west and allowed us the opportunity to see the rural towns along the way.
Day 5 – August 8
We left Ft. St. John at 6 am and began seeing wildlife (deer, black bear and elk) all along our route. At Ft. Nelson, we stopped at the visitor center and toured the Nelson Heritage Museum. We then continued on, traveling through the Canadian Rockies for 200 miles. It was densely forested and there were lots of rivers. We passed stone sheep licking salt from the edge of the highway, bear, deer and doll sheep. We crossed the only remaining suspension bridge left on the Alaska Highway. Our campsite for the night was a turnout on the highway. There are many of these turnouts and the scenery (and cost) can’t be beat! It rained very hard that night but we were plenty warm and dry in the teardrop.
Day 10 – August 13
Today, we did some shopping in Fairbanks and a repaired a tire with a nail in it. We then headed south on Parks Highway. We stayed at Grizzly Campground where we did some laundry and talked with folks from Holland about our teardrop.
Day 15 – August 18
We crossed back into the Yukon Territory and saw the Venus Mill- A stamping mill, serviced the gold and silver mine further up the hill. It used the latest technology of its day, but was never profitable.
Day 20 – August 23
Stopped at the Pope and Talbot Lumber Mill at Midway, B.C. I saw this neat old truck. We saw where the fire had burned a few areas.
Saw a black bear at Midway. B.C. Stopped for three hours at a farm that had old equipment. We had a nice visit with the owners. He is from Ireland and she is from Canada. It was a beautiful day.
Day 27 – August 30
Left Alpine, WY and headed north to West Yellowstone. Came upon a forest fire. The firefighters were using a helicopter with a big water bucket to put the fire out. Hundreds of fire fighters, their tents and trailers in camp.
I hope this inspires you to take the trip you’ve always dreamed of!!
Teardrops are so unique and people want to know what they are so bad that they often lose their manners. Peering into windows when you are inside is not an all too uncommon circumstance. Whatever type of trailer you are looking to get, be sure to keep your privacy. Night Window Shades are also good for protecting your precious cargo as well as your eyes from the sun when it beams into the trailer early in the morning.
