On our way to Alaska

[BGMAC]

Your itinerary looks great, but I want to spend 63 days in Alaska. We did 5,000 miles in the lower 48 last year and it was 97 days.

We’re kind of like @RVThereYet , we are traveling some long days in areas that we don’t have a reason to stop. If there is a place of interest, will stay a bit. The example being the first part of our trip. We’ve been through the area several times so we wanted to focus on Deadwood since we’ve never been there. When we’re done we’re heading to Glacier.

 

[BGMAC]

We we spent a few days in Sturgis and Deadwood. We actually spent an extra day. There was a lot to see. Sturgis is somewhat of a small town. Nothing really fancy, but really nice people. It’s history has been overshadowed be the largest bike rally in the world starting around August the 4th. Some of the places here are shut down most of the year until the rally. There is one RV Park that has maybe 2000 spots and is completely shut down until the rally. Crazy. I really didn’t see any “top end” RV parks, but there are some nice ones.

Deadwood is a very old cowboy town that grew when gold was discovered. Nestled in a valley of some beautiful mountains. Initially I was a bit disappointed because everything seemed so touristy. It seems every store has slot machines. Even the tee shirt stores have slots. Anyway we stayed an extra day so Twila could hit the museum's in Deadwood. We found out that after the gold was gone the city began to decline. They “decided” in 1929 to become a tourist town and started the “76” days which is the last week in July. Parades, rodeo, etc. so that touristy air about the place started almost 100 years ago. So now it got more interesting to me and Twila.
All in all it was a good time. Glad we stayed that extra day.
Now on to Glacier National Park.

 

[RVThereYet]

Your itinerary looks great, but I want to spend 63 days in Alaska. We did 5,000 miles in the lower 48 last year and it was 97 days.

Totally agree. That said, we have no idea the time we wil spend there. That 63 days is just traveling here and back. We haven't taken the time to map out excursions and sights we want't to do.
From my MC trip, it is breath taking scenery and I would like nothing more than get my fill of it.
Good luck and hope your trip is awesome!!!

HAPPY CAMPING!!

 

[team bradfield]

We love SD, many many trips, only a 2 day drive for us, we are actually going back this fall, badlands,.Custer State Park, spearfish, deadwood then off to Idaho Falls, glad you enjoyed it

 

[team bradfield]

Wall Drug hot beef sandwiches were my kids favorite

 

[BGMAC]

we guys we made it Just outside Glacier National park on the east side. Got to the campground and setup. Then I noticed something. I found the right rear axle seal must of failed along the way. Now I have to drive about 30 miles back to a NAPA to get a couple tools I did not bring with me and get a new seal. Guess I’ll go to the park on Sunday.

 

[Rich W.]

These trips are never without a few little surprises

 

[Buster]

Well, 2 out of those 3 pictures sure look nice. Hope you get it fixed quickly and really hoping that's the worst incident you have on your journey. The silver lining is you didn't have this happen 500 miles from nowhere.

 

[Rollin Ollen]

Glad you noticed it before any serious damage occurred and it's good that you are a handy kinda guy and can get it done yourself.

Darrell

 

[newmarokie]

Ollen, anybody from Tennessee with a beard like that is not handy. He is a "git er dun" kinda guy.

 

[BGMAC]

Ollen, anybody from Tennessee with a beard like that is not handy. He is a "git er dun" kinda guy.

lol.

 

[BGMAC]

Well got it done. It would have only cost about $45 for oil, gasket material and oil, but had to add $150 for tools to get the hubcap off. Way over torqued.
I found all the bolts that hold the axle to the hub loose allowing the axle to shift back and forth tearing the seal. Only lost less then 2 qts of oil so no damage issues.

 

[BGMAC]

Well we finally spent the day steeing the park. Boy was it beautiful. We are on the east side and we went up to Many Glacier, then down to St. Mary’s to Jefferson Glacier where the highway to the sun was blocked off. They had late snows and are trying to clear off 90-100 ft of snow. All and all a good time.

 

[team bradfield]

Going to the sun road is usually not open until July, we've been there twice, beautiful place, actually thought on moving to Kalispell or Eureka a few years ago

 

[Jim]

Wow, that really IS nice!