Chuck:
Last night was interesting. Not only did the site not have hook-ups, but about 5 minutes after we cranked the generator, it quit. The diesel fuel in the RV tank was down to one quarter and the generator is programed to shut off at that point. Not really a big deal but, no A/C when it is 92 degrees outside and if the propane range is used it creates more heat inside makes an uncomfortable situation worse. This morning it was cooler and I used the propane range to perc coffee, usually we use an electric coffee maker. Betty and I took our coffee mugs and drove over to the lake to see if more moose or other critters might give us a show. Not, but we did enjoy the stillness and the beauty of the lake. Back at the RV, we packed up and drove to the highway. They sent me off on my bike and, minutes later, tooted as they passed on their way to Delta Junction. It is another hot day. About 10 miles later I saw that I was closing on another south-bound biker. Matt is biking from Deadhorse to Valdez (the entire length of the pipeline), then back to his home in Anchorage. We chat as we ride and at breaks, I invite him to come over to the RV for a cold beer when we get to Delta Junction. In the early afternoon we encounter two more bikers who are stopped along the highway. These guys spotted a plastic covered case of plastic water bottles that must have fallen off of a passing vehicle. The excessive heat had caused all of us to run low on drinking water, we all enjoyed the hot water. Since I was the only one not carrying camping gear, I slowly pulled away from the others as we set out again. It is hot, only have 5 miles to go, I drink the last of my water. Three miles to go, there is a roadhouse type bar, looks good. Reluctantly, I pass it up and continue to Smith’s Green Acres RV Park. Betty & Bren are hooked up to all the utilities. A couple glasses of water, a cool shower and I collapse. Later, Matt comes over, we all have a good time talking of past adventures and future plans. A few beers later, he is saying good-bye and invites us to their home in Anchorage; hope that works out, we all have a lot in common. Betty whips up some kind of oriental noodles, very good and I am off to bed.
Betty: Even though we have all the hook-ups at Smith’s RV Park because of the excessive heat they have been having problems with the electricity. When we first got here Joe said he wasn’t taking in any more RVs because with the heat everyone wants to run their AC and lots of other things too – refrigerator, hot water heater, fans, microwaves, washers and dryers, etc. He finally decided to let us stay and stressed that we should use one thing at a time conserving as much as possible. It’s been extremely hot in the RV and we left the AC off as long as possible but decided to cool the rig down before bed. The ramen type noodles I could fix in the microwave prior to turning on the AC. It’s much the same problem as cities with brown-outs. We’re just ecstatic to have some conveniences.