The Alaska caravan officially started this past week as we departed Blaine, Washington and headed north across the Canadian border into British Columbia. But, wait, some of you may be wondering what exactly is an RV caravan and how does it operate?
Caravan: a company of travelers on a journey together, as across desert or through hostile regions.
Merriam-Webster
As such, our caravan of 25 RVs and 50 people are journeying together for the next 52 days across British Columbia, The Yukon and Alaska. The caravan is led by 2 ambassador couples who coordinate everything: campsites, outings, excursions, travel itinerary, organized meals and many other travel details. As an example, there are many dogs (and cats) in our group and our leaders have arranged to have dog walkers available at many stops where we will be out touring for the day. They also provide necessary support for any unforeseen emergencies.
On travel days, one ambassador couple, the Wagon Masters, leave the campground at 8:00 am and are the scouts ahead of everyone providing updates (via group text/radio) on road conditions, construction, weather, any enroute itinerary changes and preparing the next campground for our arrival. Everyone else departs the campground within the next 2 hours. Then the other ambassador couple, the tail gunners, bring up the rear and help anyone along the way who may need assistance. In addition to group texting, each RV has a radio on the same frequency so we can communicate with one another as needed throughout the travel day.
Additionally, we have 2 reference documents:
We’re so happy to be experiencing this journey with our close friends, Tammy and Jeff. Over the years, we have RV’d with them in Texas, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Missouri and New Mexico. Alaska has been on both of our bucket lists (at least mine and Jeff’s…) and now we are very fortunate to be doing it together!
The Peace Arch
Before officially crossing into Canada, we visited the Peace Arch Historical State Park which celebrates the unguarded US/Canada border. As we walked around, we unofficially entered into Canada as we enjoyed the 67 ft. tall arch which straddles the border and all the surrounding gardens.
This Arch was financed and constructed by humanitarian Sam Hill with the intention that it would become a focal point for the celebration of the ideals of democracy and diplomacy.
After leaving Blaine, Washington, our 1st stop was the Canadian boarder. The day before there was much discussion, analysis and angst about what might trigger the Canadian Customs Officials to pull us over, unleash the dogs in our RVs, ransack the refrigerators, rifle through the cabinets and unload the many storage compartments.
I am happy to report that after the much anticipated questions about guns (especially with Texas license plates adorning our truck and RV), ammunition and alcohol, our Customs agent was more interested in asking about our Airstream because she really wanted one and said she needed to convince her husband. We will cross the US/Canadian border 6 more times in the coming weeks and I hope the rest go as smoothly!
Driving through British Columbia (BC) is absolutely breath-taking and if I stopped every time I wanted to take a photo or put up my drone, we’d never get to Alaska. (click image to enlarge)
Our 1st campground in BC was a “boondocking” campground; which means we do not have to access power, water or sewer. So, we need to be totally self-sufficient. Below is our group nestled within a canyon. You’ll notice that because we are the smallest of them all, we weren’t allowed to park with them. Just kidding, we actually picked that location in order to be away from the gigantic, noisy, on-board generators of our fellow caravaner’s motorhomes. Plus, we got a much better view out our windows!
Dawson Creek, British Columbia
Dawson Creek, British Columbia is mile “0” of the incredible Alaska Highway and 1,387 miles later, it officially ends at Delta Junction, Alaska. However, it “unofficially” ends Fairbanks, Alaska at mile marker 1,520! We will be traveling the whole length of this engineering feat all the way to Fairbanks! So, here we are at mile “0” getting ready to jump onto the highway and further explore British Columbia, Yukon and then Alaska.
The Alaska Highway was built during WWII and the only way to really appreciate this massive undertaking is to spend a few moments reading about its history. We are so fortunate to be able to travel on this highway and can only begin to imagine the hardship, tenacity and determination of the 30,000+ soldiers and civilians who completed it in 8 months!
Brief History of the Alaska Highway
So, buckle-up and prepare to join us along this historic route…..off we go……the Meandering Continues…….