Dad's trip from Florida To Alaska

 
My Dad's last entry was a flat tire and just reached the Alaska border. It's a 5,056 Mile driving trip!

Excerpts from my Dad's Emails:
4/18/2009 5:58 AM----around 5,056 miles 3 days 13 hours-------------------------------

Hi Ya'll.

For those who have'nt followed (or dont care), my latest journey to Alaska has begun. I spent the suimmer of '98 there and couldn't wait to get back. Since my time on earth is running out, thought I better do it now. I'm at my daughter Lisa's house in Valdosta, Ga til Monday and then with good fortune will be at Wildman's (where I'll be working), in Cooper Landing, Ak by the 1st of May.

Wish me luck,
Luv Ya
Ron

4/23/2009 6:35 PM---------------------------------------------------------------------

Hi Ya'll,

Arrived Great Falls Mt, (my stopping off point before Canada), last night after a rugged 2000 miles from Georgia. Head wind all the way, as high as 35 mph and gusting, a tough ride for all, but towing a 5th wheel it’s a minor nightmare. My truck a/c went out, don’t know when but an 80' day got my attention across S.D., Wyoming, and Montana, not a lot of fun. Today it snowed about 4 inches and temp. will go below 20' tonight. How's that for irony! Thankfully, no one's been hurt, except my pocket book. Will leave for Edmonton, Alberta on Sat. weather permitting.

Wish me luck.*Winking smiley emoticon*

C-ya
Ron

4/24/2009 9:40 PM---------------------------------------------------------------------

Hi Ya'll

Tomorrow we make our break for Canada, 125 mi to the border, then Calgary and dmonton, Ab and on and on, and on, 2500 miles to Wildman's, more or less.Been busy the two days here in Great Falls, it's the stopping off point to and from Canada and Alaska. Too bad you can't come along, everyone you meet is an instant friend when you rv. It's always that way.Took the truck to the shop for an oil change and to fix the a/c. It was 25' F with four inches of snow on the ground, that raised some eyebrows.

Got down to 16' overnight, that sucked!I'm sure you're familiar with Murphy's Law, (anything that can go wrong, will go wrong,and at the worst possible time). Part of the law, keep something for years, get rid of it, and you'll need it probably the next day. I beat the odds on this one. Bought an ice scraper in '98 on my way to Ak the last time and it sat in the door compartment of my truck, never used. Every time I looked at it I asked myself, "Why are you keeping that piece of crap"? I used it yesterday! Here' a better one.

Went to Minnesota in the spring of '02 found a top of the line parka that I didn't need but it was reduced from $180 to $20, last one in the store, couldn't turn it down. Why am I keeping this, living in Mississippi and Florida? You guessed it, I was soooooo happy to wear it yesterday and today. Enough boring stuff for today.

C-ya, Luv Ya
Ron

4/29/2009 7:41 AM---------------------------------------------------------------------

Hi ya'll

Made it to Watson Lakem, YT. Had two bad days,l lost half a days drive for weather and yesterday blew a tire, lost the whole day. Wed morn and hope today is better. Phone svs has been nonexistent.

Luv ya
ron

4/30/2009 9:14 AM---------------------------------------------------------------------

Hi ya'll

It wasn't pretty, I made it to the Ak border, but still have 500 milles to go. The weather and the blown tire slowed me dow and the tire took out some wires so I have work to do. But what dont' kill you makes you stronger. (Believe that and Ill sell you some beachfront property in Fairbanks). More later.

Luv Ya
Ro0n

5/1/2009 1:37 AM----------------------------------------------------------------

Hi again,

Go to Anchorage this p.m., still 100 miles til my destination. I promised to be there May 1st so Ill make it. Have to get some maint. here tomorrow. Sorry I haven't provided more details, but at days end I've been exhausted. More later.

C-ya

ron