Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Morning folks. I've hesitated putting this up today because frankly there is no good news. Myself, I'm fine, but from there it goes downhill in a hurry.

First, a bylaw officer threatened court action to Bea's (my friend) son if I didn't move. She lives in a very nice apartment over her son's business, a convenience store/gas-bar/laundromat. He basically told them to pound salt, but I can't be the cause of that kind of trouble so I'll be leaving here.

Second is Dixie. She is becoming, for lack of a better term, a pain in the ass. It's one thing if I'm camping or in an RV park where I can devote all my time to her, but she acts up so much when I try to leave her, I'm unable to do anything. With the shedding, and her fighting me when I try to wipe her feet, I can't take her in Bea's car, so I'm unable to do the most basic things.

Yesterday I left her chained to the Bear while I drove Bea to work. I made one very quick stop at the grocery store on the way back, and in that time she managed to dump her water and food bowls, and spread her blanket across the parking lot. I don't want to shorten her chain, that would be almost cruel, and can't trust her enough to leave her inside. As for the pedicure, she's going to have to settle down a whole bunch before I even try to take her to a groomer.

I really did want to stay here in Whitehorse for a while, but because of the above I'm not sure what's going to happen. I'm damned if I'm going to pay $38 a night to baby-sit the dog at an RV park, and I can't park at Walmart because of the same dog.

Guess I should have given this whole thing a lot more thought, instead of listening to my heart. Somehow things will work out, but right now it's not a lot of fun. Not sure what I'm going to do today, or when I'll be back online, but wish me luck, and I'll see you when I can.

P.S. Anyone want a dog? Kidding (sort of).

Trucker Bob blogged at 4:13 AM

|

Monday, July 30, 2007

Morning folks. I'm happy to report that, although it took 2 days to get Dixie 6 hours down the road, we're safe and sound in Whitehorse. She still has a ways to go, but she is settling down more each time I drive a while. Of course being hog-tied, blindfolded, and beaten, has helped. KIDDING!!

I never did get any Gravol into her, in fact she has broken the skin on the back of my hand twice snapping at me while I'm trying to get a 1/2 a pill into her mouth. Putting it in cheese hasn't worked either, she just spits it out. The drops Audrey gave me she drinks in her water, and they help a bit.

What has worked is putting her sleeping blankie on the passenger seat, and because she is so well-behaved, just keep scolding her to stay there. When the panting and shaking get to be a bit much, I pull over and let her jump across to my lap and hold her until she settles down a bit, then repeat the process.

As a treat I'm going to get her a pedicure today, because her nails are starting to catch on the mats in here. I tried dragging her across a gravel parking lot behind the Bear, but her nails started to spark and I was afraid she'd ignite.

As for the scolding I've got to be real careful of how forceful I get. She knows when she has messed up, and will just sit and tremble, unable to look at me, with one paw raised. I'll leave her like that for a while, but it breaks my heart to watch her.

I'm going to stay here long enough to finally get a haircut, and do a bunch of shopping, banking, etc. I'm parked behind my friend's place and SHE is going to let me use her car while I'm here. For the use of the car, and being able to plug in, (electrically you preverts!) I'll probably have to take her to dinner. Her and I have been friends since she worked at the truckstop in Ft St John 23 years ago, and I'm happy to tell you that she says I'm as ornery as ever.

Along that line Dixie and I make a great pair, she thinks she's a 100 lb Rottweiller, and I think I'm still 40. Unfortunately one day we're both going to get our ass kicked real good, but until then we're having a blast.

Thanks for all your comments, and if I'm here long enough I'll get back to replying. It was especially nice to hear from Rebecca. She is the daughter of the family that gave me Dixie, and what a pretty, polite young lady she is!

Hope you're all well, and also hope to see you soon.

Trucker Bob blogged at 2:05 AM

|

Thursday, July 26, 2007

Morning folks. Well, 2 more days here at Ughieville and it will be time for Dixie and I to hit the road. Since starting back will mean that in some ways the trip is over, I can declare that, other than these blasted RV parks, it's been a complete success.


There is still a lot of travelling to do before I reach home, but the things I wanted to do, I got done, and then some. Most importantly, to me at least, is that the feeling of peace and serenity I long felt in this country is still there. Having Dixie now to walk along with and share the memories, in thought at least, just completes the package for me.


I've already got the Bear completely serviced and ready to go, so today will be housework, laundry, and generally getting things ready for travel. Tomorrow will be lots of walking over some of the trails I've found, early to bed, and at 5 am Saturday we're truckin'.


Other than doing lots of camping on the way back, my plans are very loose. Will probably stay a few days in Whitehorse, then, who knows. Should arrive home sometime around the end of August.


After 3 short trips Dixie is still not travelling well, in fact she panics, but I'll try different remedies, including letting her sit in my lap. If I have to stop to let her out more than I want to, so be it. Hopefully in time she'll settle down.


I'll try to check in at Whitehorse, but other than that I'm not sure when I'll see you again. Just know that all is well with me, and that I'm looking forward to once again having a reliable connection so that we can get back to some serious natterin', with pictures.

Hope all is well with you, take care of yourselves, and I'll see you when I can.

Trucker Bob blogged at 4:21 AM

|

Sunday, July 22, 2007

Morning folks. My venting at the crappy services that I had paid for, but wasn't receiving, seems to have worked. I put the laptop in it's case, thereby eliminating a lot of stress, grabbed the hound, and went on with my life.

As a consequence I'm still here at (ugh) Guggieville. Some nice folks have moved in beside me, that I'm enjoying the company of, and I have decided to ride out the time I have left on my "lease".

Yesterday I brought this out and got online so decided to try again this morning. So far, so good. If this makes it, great, if not, back into the case.

Dixie, or Killer Dog, is doing fine. We've pretty well settled into a routine now, one that because of her intelligence requires very little work on my part. She was getting a bit rambunctious on our walks, but all it took was shortening her leash to make her stop chasing every bug, bee, bird etc. As for other dogs, as long as they're leashed she doesn't act up, but if they're loose she becomes the Dog from Hell.

Here in the motorhome she is no problem whatever. She knows where she is, or is not, allowed to be, and all it takes is my pointing to keep her in line. Other than coming over for a little pet when I'm here at the table, she's either on the couch, in her kennel, or sitting looking out the screen door. Outside she is equally well-behaved. When not with me on the leash I keep her chained to the picnic table, and while I'm home she wanders around out there letting people pet her etc. but if I go to the garbage for example, she moves over to the step, and poor pity anyone that comes near the place.

I'm not going to try to reply to all of your comments, that might be pushing my luck, but do want you to know how much I appreciate each and every one of them. It was especially nice to hear from Mike, Audrey, and family. As was said, THANK YOU so much for this wonderful gift, and for the excellent training you gave her. She's a delight!

I've been trying to put a couple of pictures up, but no luck, so I'll just try to post this. Hope you're all well, and I'll probably see you before I leave here.

Trucker Bob blogged at 3:07 AM

|

Tuesday, July 17, 2007

Morning folks. A well-intentioned comment yesterday, from a person I consider a friend, made me realize how futile, and foolish, this effort to keep the page going while up here has become.

Just as last summer when I spent a small fortune on motel rooms, not because I needed them, but to post the day's events, this too is becoming expensive. Over $1000, and untold hours, in Dawson City alone, not for a place to stay, but to get online.

I have never been an insecure person, but I have a great, fully self-contained motorhome, so why in hell am I putting myself through this? If I can't go off and do whatever it is I want to do, for however long, without fear of losing my "blog family", then it's time I re-thought my priorities.

You all know how much I appreciate the support and encouragement I get from you, especially during those times when Timmy is trying to kick my butt, but I'm reminded of the old joke...If you love something, set it free. If it comes back, it was yours. If it doesn't, hunt it down and kill it.

I'm sure that whenever I can get a secure connection, be it next week or next month, we can pick up where we left off. If not I'm going to find a big stick! It's a shame really, because I had, have, so many great pics and stories to share of this area. With many more to come. Now there's a teaser for you.

I plan to leave here sometime towards the end of the week, and also plan to avoid RV parks like the plaque. The government campgrounds, both here in the Yukon and B.C., are far superior to these over-priced rip-offs. So unless someone flags me down and comes running up with a modem cable, I really don't know when I can pick this up.

I'd ask you to wish us luck, but keep in mind I'll be driving over roads that I've driven hundreds of times. I'm also going to give the Bear a real good servicing right here in the park, and if I should happen to spill a drop of oil, they can lick it up as far as I care.

Please realize that this post was born partly out of frustration, but also out of an attempt to get real about this whole thing. If you're the people I think you are, you'll realize it's the right thing to be doing.

Other than taking our time getting home, I'm just going to play it by ear. Should arrive in about a month or so. From there, who knows.

Oops, wouldn't you know it. I made this up Monday afternoon, and without hitting Publish, up it went. Oh well, I just changed the post time.

Take care guys.

Trucker Bob blogged at 4:00 PM

|

Monday, July 16, 2007

Morning folks, although I'm actually starting this Sun 3 pm, in hopes of getting it up by morning.

This is one of the shots the photographer took, and I chose it for 2 reasons. First of course, it's a good picture of Dixie, and secondly it shows the advanced stage of vitiligo, or loss of skin pigmentation, I have due to the tumor. Between that, the teeth falling out, the various and sundry other ailments, you might say the wrapping is flawed, but I assure you the contents of the package are intact. A lot of people try to hide, or cover up, their flaws, but as you guys know, my life is an open book. I suppose I shouldn't say this but, not a bad set of pipes for an ol' dude.


I promise not to be like one of those people that talk incessantly about their children as they whip 800 pictures out, but Dixie is all I have going on right now. I won't leave her chained up alone, or in her kennel, while I go off. It's not a big thing really because I've been here so long I was starting to re-trace my steps. Besides, this time is important to help her with the transition.

I mentioned maybe leaving early, and I'm thinking that I'll eat a couple of hundred dollars and head for Whitehorse next weekend. I went to the office and before I got the question fully out, the heads started shaking. No Refunds!

I paid damn good money for services I'm not getting, or at best spottily. WiFi, server, power, you name it, it bites the big one, especially considering I'm sitting in basically a gravel pit. The government campgrounds are far superior to these rip-off RV parks, but I did it on promises of internet access. Oh well, live and learn.

While this might sound whiny, the truth is I'm in good spirits. Few more days with Killer Dog, couple of short trips to get her used to travelling, and her and I are hittin' the road. If she's up to it I'll drive straight through to Whitehorse, spend a couple of days there, then slowly start working our way home. If she gets stressed I'll break the drive up into 2 or 3 legs.

Besides re-arranging the position of her kennel so that she can see me while driving, I've relented on the no furniture rule. She jumps up on the couch, nestles in with her two paws crossed, and won't move until I say it's okay. So very well behaved. As for the shedding, I brush her a couple of times a day, which she likes, and it seems to be getting better.

Before "mailing" this I just checked and sure enough, 'Guggieville Disabled'. I did get to read your comments from the last post, thank you, but don't know when I'll be able to reply. As for messing with Notepad etc, I don't gain anything over just letting the laptop save it to the Hard Drive. The trick is to keep watching the bottom of this Blogger page, and when it says "Saving", instead of "Saved", don't even think of going near the Publish button. Oops, now it says "Could not contact Blogger.com". which means the signal, such as it is, is also gone. Another favorite is "SecurityToken. Your request could not be processed. Please try again". Isn't this fun?

Some might say I should get a life, well this is the life I chose, and I'm damned if I'm going to let this get the best of me. I can't do much about getting ripped off, after the fact, but I sure as hell am not going to roll over completely.

It is now 3 am Monday. Think I'll take Killer up to the office, which is closed, let her drop a 3-coiler on the doorstep, then come back and cook up some breakfast while baby-sitting this. I just looked over at Dixie and she seems to be saying 'yeah, let's do it'!

Take care guys, see ya when I can.

Trucker Bob blogged at 1:45 AM

|

Sunday, July 15, 2007

Morning folks. Sorry for being a day late, but after battling the horrible signal, it finally improved a bit when the server went down. 1 1/2 days later it came back up and I just started getting caught up on replies when the power went out. Dixie to the resue! Instead of a Class 5 eruption I grabbed the leash and a treat, and off we went. Of course we got caught in a downpour and got back looking like a couple of wharf rats, but even the hound seemed to be saying "it's got to get better, because it sure can't get much worse".

Actually everything is plump fine here. Dixie is eating well and not showing any signs of loneliness. The only time she'll whimper a bit is when she sees children, but I just call her to me, give her a little lovin', and she settles right down. She sticks pretty close to me when I'm out in the yard, but all it takes is a word and she'll go lay (lie) on her blanket by the door.

She showed her Jack Russell genes Friday morning, boy did she ever! I had asked the fellow in the next site to keep his little dog on a leash, but he seemed to have an attitude. Oh well. I was in here doing something when I heard the fight start, and am glad I was.

When I got out there and grabbed Dixie's chain she had the other dog by the throat, and it was not pretty. I think she caught it in her food, because I had chased it off once already.

As he was wrapping his dog up to take to the vet's he was threatening all kinds of legal nonsense. I didn't say anything, but thought that if you think Dixie is a handful, just keep mouthing off and I'll give you a handful!

Dixie was on her chain, in her yard, while even though I had asked, his dog was loose. So tell me, Captain America, how's that attitude working for you now?

A few hours later he came back, packed up, and moved on without a word. Atta girl Dix!

Update 12 pm....

I had much more to this post, all good, but have been going through the usual. Took Dixie to town this morning in the Bear and she was fine. I've got her kennel under the table by the cocktail chair so she can watch me while I'm driving. Next time I'll leave her out and try to get her to ride in the passenger seat, or even up on the dash, because it's plenty big enough.

Couldn't get her brand of chow, Pedigree, but bought a bag of Kibbles 'n Bits. Boy, does she like that stuff! Also got her some Milk Bones, and tried to get her a rawhibe chew bone to gnaw on, but they didn't have any. Oh well, I'll just find her a small dog. Okay, that's enough of that!

I've lost so much of this post already I'm hesitant to type further. Do want you to know that I've got some portrait-type photos of her done by a professional photographer that was here for a few days. She is on her way to Inuvik, and in return for a bit of advice on driving that road, which I gladly gave, she took the pictures gratis.

For the umpteenth time I'll try to get this up. The pics, and news of a possible move before my time is up here to follow when I can.

Trucker Bob blogged at 2:17 AM

|

Friday, July 13, 2007

Morning folks. Well, the official hand-off occurred yesterday without a hitch. While they were packing up I brought Dixie's kennel over and put it in here, along with her blankie. Because it was cool early in the morning I turned the space heater on and got it all warm for her. While a bit hesitant to come into the motorhome at first, she seemed to sense what was happening and went into her kennel without a sound. Of course as a reward I gave her a little treat. heh heh

By the time they came over to say good-bye she was just about asleep. Once that was done, with a little tail-waggin' but not a whimper, and they pulled away, I put her on the leash and off we went. As before she followed along, with a few sniffin' side-trips, as though we'd been doing it forever.

Now some credit. What a wonderful family they were, and so very generous to me. Although I insisted, they would not accept any money from me, not just for Dixie, but for all of the things that came with her. Things like her kennel and sleeping blankie, outside blanket, 2 leashes, chain, food, little treat bones, dental chews, travel drops, etc. I can get pretty cynical at times, but for now at least, they have restored my faith in mankind.

I also have her vaccination records, and travel document. She had just had all of her shots (7) on June 29th. And yes Goob, she is a pure bred Jack Russell, weighing 15.8 lbs. The only difference from what I had said is that she is 5 yrs old, not 6. She was born July 1-02.

So there you have it guys. I thank you for all your kind comments about this whole thing, but I've got to leave you now. I have a child to care for. heh heh

Here she is in her kennel. Although it looks small because of her position, you can tell it's plenty big. I kept the door closed for a while yesterday, but now I leave it open. I allowed her to sniff out her new surroundings, with warnings to stay off the furniture, because boy! does she shed, now I point to the mat in the kitchen or the kennel and down she goes.



Trucker Bob blogged at 2:09 AM

|

Thursday, July 12, 2007

Morning folks. I'm actually starting this Wednesday afternoon while Dixie the Dog is just finishing up nap #312. She's a sly one, she pretends to be sleeping, but is actually guarding the Bear, and is ready to pounce on an hour's notice.

Now to how I ended up with her. Monday afternoon 2 families, in separate RVs but travelling together, pulled in and set up just across from me. While I noticed, I didn't pay much attention.

Tuesday morning I'm out wandering around, and seeing Alberta plates on their vehicles, I stopped and said Hi. It turns out they are both truckers from Edmonton, so naturally we started shifting a few gears. After sitting and chatting a while, I noticed what turned out to be Dixie and her sister Daisy. That's when I mentioned that I had been looking for a small companion, and the wheels started turning. The family with the dogs also have 3 children, and it can get understandably hectic.

Daisy takes everything in stride, but Dixie seems to like a quieter environment. So they suggested me taking her for the day, and see how we get along. She settled in here with me so well that they were impressed, as I was with how well she behaved.

So yesterday it was more of the same. While they were off scouting around, Dixie and I spent the day together. A few walks, a few naps for her, and it was obvious that she had found a home. They of course love Dixie, and are comfortable, and happy, that she will be cared for.

We decided to make the transfer this morning when they leave, since she's already used to coming over here. I'll keep her busy enough that hopefully in a few days she'll have gotten over any loneliness for them.

She has all her papers, and is up to date on her shots, so I guess it's Trucker Bob and Dixie the Dog, driving off into the sunset.

It's funny how things work out. All it took was the right people getting together, and both interests were served.



Trucker Bob blogged at 2:33 AM

|

Wednesday, July 11, 2007

Morning folks. How do I tell you this without breaking my self-imposed "quit talking about it rule"? Ah heck, sometimes rules are made to be broken.

Today I have an even more legitimate reason for not posting a picture, other than this ridiculously bad connection, and that is that I haven't taken one yet. Huh? Let me explain. Please do, and hurry up!

Although I haven't taken full possession yet, that will happen today, it looks like I am now the proud papa of a real live L'il Bear. Her name is Dixie, and she is a pure-bred, spayed, six-year old Jack Russell Terrier. She spent the day with me yesterday, and settled in like this had been her home all along. I set her blanket outside by the door, turned the radio on low, and once she had sniffed her surroundings, down she went for a nap. Too cute!

The only time she would stir is when I'd go to the door with the leash and ask her if she wanted to go for a walk. She'd get up, stretch, and get her stubby little tail a-waggin'. Not once did she make a sound, even when other dogs would walk by.

I'd go out, take her off the chain, put her on the leash, and off we'd go. I'm not sure who wore who out, but man did we put some miles on! Never did I have to yank the leash or scold her, she followed along like we'd been doing this forever. We'd get back, and before I put her on the chain, I'd sit in the chair, and without a word from me she'd jump up on my lap.

She comes complete with all the "trimmings", kennel, chain, leash, food, etc etc., not to mention being so very well trained. Since this is already getting a bit long I'll tell you how this all came about tomorrow.

It's a big responsibility, that I don't take lightly, so wish me luck. Now I can finally take that walk down the trail with my L'il Bear.

See you tomorrow with the whole story, and pictures. I hope!!

Trucker Bob blogged at 3:01 AM

|

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

Morning folks. Well, the big evening went fine, and I didn't even have to go into town. I dug around in the root cellar and came up with a chicken, and enough ingredients to make a pretty nice potato salad, some sliced tomatoes, and some cheese. Heck, I even had dessert.

Although we've had our share of rain lately, the burn bans are still on after that heat wave, and because I still haven't bought a barbeque, it meant no cooking over the campfire, so I made things on the stove and oven. No big deal really.

Once the bird was cooked I picked it clean and set it in the fridge, same with the salad. It worked out great because we had another scorcher yesterday, and a nice cold plate went well. Washed down of course with a cold can of Alexander Keith's.

While wandering around in the bush one day I came across a patch of wild raspberries, so voila', instant dessert. Didn't have many, just enough to go around.

They were either being nice to me, or they really liked it, because everything was eaten, and I mean everything! Didn't even leave enough pickin's for lunch today. Sheesh!

I didn't hear any ambulances during the night so I guess the ptomaine poisoning hasn't kicked in yet. They're leaving this morning, so when I go over for coffee I'll get them to sign disclaimers, just in case.

So there you have it guys, my first time entertaining at Chez Bear, and if I do have to say so myself, it went well.

Nothing big planned for today, just more R & R. The way the days are flying by it won't be long and I'll be heading south. I'm out of here on the morning of the 28th, and as for the trip itself, I still haven't decided on the details. Lots of time for that.

See ya later.

Trucker Bob blogged at 2:19 AM

|

Monday, July 09, 2007

Morning folks. Since I didn't need anything from town yesterday, I spent a quiet day at "home". Getting to love those days, go for a walk, do some reading, little housework, etc. Very relaxing.

Had a fellow and his wife and 84 year old Dad from Peace River Alberta move in beside me, and what a great visit I had with the old guy. He worked up here in the '50s, and was able to fill in a lot of the questions I had about different things. They invited me over for a little barbeque last night, and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. They are staying another day so I'll be the host at a little soiree' at Chez Bear tonight. Guess I'll have to make a run to town today, because I don't think Kraft Dinner and weinies would create the proper ambience.

The price of gas hit $6.68/gal ($1.469/lt) here yesterday, and while none of us like it, I especially get a kick out of the American tourists. They seem to take it as a personal affront. Hey, cowboy up dude, now you know how the rest of the world is paying through the nose for your shenanigans. World Oil Price my butt, Canada has oceans of oil, but has to bow down to the Great White Satan. Since I've been out of the loop news-wise, that's as close as I can get to Bush-Whackin'.

Our weather has finally settled down from the extremes of blistering heat and torrential rains. Cools off nicely at night for those who can sleep (ahem), and by 10 or 11 am it's get out and wander about time.

Well, I'm starting to spin my wheels here, so I'll wish you all a good week, and probably see you tomorrow. I have been trying to get some pics up (oops, can't whine about that) with no luck, but maybe later.

Take care guys.

Trucker Bob blogged at 2:05 AM

|

Sunday, July 08, 2007

Morning folks. In this RV park, one of four in the area, there are 78 hook-up sites, and approx 40 unserviced tenting sites. A lot of young people come up by bus and spend the summer back-packing, hiking etc, and set up here as a base.

It's rather ironic what happened here yesterday. After getting the Bear ready to go to town, I pulled out to the road and saw a young couple that I had noticed walking through the park standing with their back-packs. When they saw the motorhome they turned their backs, so I bopped the horn and asked if they would like a ride to town. As with the young lads, their faces lit up. Put their stuff in a storage compartment underneath, got them seated and belted in here, and off we went.

They were mailing some cards, so I told them when they were done to wait by the Bear and I'd be glad to bring them back when I came. Now what was so hard about that? They were interesting young people, very grateful, and I felt good for helping them. They invited me over to their tent site last evening and we had a nice visit. Again, what was so hard about that?

I clocked the distance from here to the store and back...6.2 miles. No wonder I was tired after lugging my groceries home when I walked it. That's a long way to go to get bread, although if the word was spelled differently it might be worth it. You just don't quit, do you?

Anyway, all is well with the world again, and to those that made me feel like a leper when I was looking for a ride, I hope that all of your grandchildren are born with warts on their.....don't you dare say that!

Enjoy the rest of your weekend, and I'll probably see you tomorrow.

Holy smokes, I finally got some pictures to show up. I'm not sure if her body is as heavenly as her name implies, but since Bill hasn't shown up I guess I'll have to go see Celeste.


Instead of a scooter, perhaps I should get one of these. Nah, I'd fall and go big-time boom! Took this at the Canada Day celebrations.



Trucker Bob blogged at 3:05 AM

|

Saturday, July 07, 2007

Morning folks. You know sometimes I'm a real slow learner. After moaning yesterday about having to bum rides etc, the light finally came on. I'm sitting in my "ride", sheesh!

In less than 10 minutes I can have my awnings up, hydraulic legs up, electrical cord unplugged and coiled, the water hose unhooked, and I'm truckin'. In fact I'll be doing that very thing this morning. Drive into town, find a safe place to park, and take all the time I want doing whatever.

I will be also taking the Bear out to the dredge, up to Dome Mountain, and any other spot I want to see. Also, instead of limiting my shopping to just a couple of bags in case I have to walk back, I can pick up enough that I don't have to go in so often. Reminds me of one of my favorite sayings, too soon we get old, and too late we get smart. Oh well, caught it time before I punched somebody out for all the phoney excuses why they couldn't give me a ride.

I know I can be difficult at times, but I would give anyone a ride, to anywhere, at any time. And have! This is getting awfully close to a whine, so I'll drop it.

Just realized what day it is, and must admit I miss the Saturday Chuckles, and L'il Bear Sundays. But I must also admit that with the Bear having all the comforts of home, I don't miss so-called civilization, other than that which I'm not allowed to talk about anymore.

I've often said that I'm glad to have been born into an era with so many technological advances, but I really feel I could have handled life back in the days when this place, for example, was coming alive. Tougher for sure, but much simpler. There is just too much BS in the world, at all levels, for me. Sometimes it's better the devil we know than the devil we don't, but it doesn't hurt to dream, and the Yukon is full of dreams.

Take care of yourself guys, see you later.

Trucker Bob blogged at 4:34 AM

|

Friday, July 06, 2007

Morning folks. After making a munchie run into town to say Hi to the hottie at the store, and re-aquaint myself with someone we all love, because nobody doesn't like Sara Lee, I came back and spent another peaceful day at Chez Bear. There's no doubt about it, I can handle this life style. No traffic, no phones, nobody pi**ing me off, just me and my thoughts. And memories, lots and lots of good memories.

I've been in Dawson City, and area, for 3 weeks now, with 3 weeks to go before it will be time to start the slow trip home. As much as I've seen, it makes me realize how much more there is to see. For the first time I'm regretting not having the car along, but it would not have made sense to drag it all the way up here just to go to town every few days. Plus I didn't know at the time that I'd end up sitting in one spot for a month. The hitch-hiking, bumming rides, and walking is getting tiresome though.

Yesterday for example I had no trouble hitching into town and back, but it's almost like somebody hung the Closed sign out, because the park is almost empty. I didn't see a soul stir all day, they're either all dead, or hiding because Trucker Bob wants a ride somewhere.

Now a word about the inability to post pictures, bad connection, etc etc. This in fact will be the last I talk about it, because even I am getting tired of it. Just know that I'll continue trying, and if I can get some to show up, great, if not the sun will still rise in the east.

Well guys, thanks for hanging in with me, and have yourselves a good week-end. Me, I'm going to sit here with my ears on alert, and when I hear a vehicle start, I'm on it. Never mind where you want to go, what about me? heh heh

Trucker Bob blogged at 2:06 AM

|

Thursday, July 05, 2007

Morning folks. This is one of those no news is good news days. Other than taking a walk yesterday I just hung around "home", read a bit, visited with some of the people here in the park, and just enjoyed the day.

Since my bud, Bill the Barber, is too busy fishing (or telling tall tales about it) to come up here to cut my hair, I guess I'll have to take my business elsewhere. I've been trying to get a picture that would go along with that little tease on here, but again, no luck. You might wonder why I spend so much time on this, hell even I do, but it gets me through the night since I don't sleep much.

The weather turned real nice, not too hot, after the storm passed, but right now at 1:30 am Thurs morning, it's coming down in buckets. Other than that boner I pulled with the bathroom sunlight I've not seen a sign of a leak, or even dampness, anywhere in the Bear. As I sit here with my usual cup o' joe and ciggy butt, and the space heater on because it does cool off at night, it's just plumb cozy.

In the small world department I met a couple here at the park that lived in White Rock for years, and although I didn't know them at the time they recognized my name. Their sons went to school with my boys, and we ended up having a wonderful walk back in time. They have gone on to Alaska, but are going to stop here on the way back and we are going to have dinner together downtown.

In an almost identical situation as with the bike, I met another grandfather, father, and his two sons. After learning how much the 10 yr old boy was into wildlife etc, I gave him my caribou antlers. Again, to see the look on his face was more than worth it, and when last seen the antlers were on their way to Bonanza Alberta. At this rate I sure hope I don't meet a young fellow that likes the Bear, or I'll have to walk home.

That should be enough nattering for now. I can't make a connection to Blogger right now, so I'll baby-sit this until I can. It's disappointing that I can't even get the html code on here for the pictures, because I have so many, but life's a bee-yotch.

See ya when I can.

Trucker Bob blogged at 3:41 AM

|

Wednesday, July 04, 2007

Morning folks, although I'm not sure when I'll be able to post this one. I'm using Notepad because for the past 15
hours or so, try as I might, I can't make a connection. So I'm finally heeding your advice , but already am confused. I've been banging away here not realizing until I looked up that everything was on one line. I think I've sorted that out, but truthfully don't have a clue what I'm doing. Getting a picture on here should be a real hoot.

Had a bit of excitement here yesterday. The day started out socked in with fog, but as it lifted I could see off in the distance what was coming. It was darker than the inside of a cow, and you could just feel the storm in the air.

While still fogged in I had been contemplating my navel, and decided to do the annual clean-out. So I set to work
digging out a few coins, cookie crumbs, a couple of buttons I'd been looking for, and enough lint to make a throw cushion. The whole thing tired me out so much I decided to have a nap before the big event.

So T-shirt off, slippers off, I hit the couch, and was just getting into some heavy-duty logging when the first gust hit. Woke me with a start, and when I saw what was happening I made a stab for the slippers managing to get one, out the door almost taking a header, and grabbed the awning before it became pretzelized. The biggest of the four is 23 feet across, and with all the hardware, that sucker is heavy. As determined as it was to get air-borne, I was just as determined that I didn't want to know how much it would cost to replace, so I hung on, tightly!

Luckily the first gust was the worst, and I managed to get the arms down before any damage was done, or it did get air-borne.

"Look in the sky Mommy, it's Santa Claus".
"No dear, that's just Trucker Bob with his new hang-glider".

After chasing down my little table and folding chair I was soaked, so came inside to clean up and dry off. Nicely got that done in the bathroom when the second calamity hit, this one of my own making.

During the days of 100F plus I had put a double row of duct tape strips on the sunlight/vent to keep the searing sun out. That worked fine, lowered the inside temp by 8 degrees, trouble is I neglected to close the lid. As I was finishing drying off I noticed a drop of water on the edge of the tape. Thinking that the wind drove a bit of rain in I pulled that corner down. Bad move! That whole thing was full of water from the last rain, and I got it right in the mush, not to mention the carpet.Thank God I brought lots of towels, because what a mess!

The rains finally let up a bit, and figuring they can't get any wetter, I strung a rope from the ladder on the back of the Bear to a tree and hung everything out there. And how was your day? heh heh

It is now 2:30 am Wed morning, and I'm still unable to make a connection. Sure hope I can save this and copy/paste later, because this is a lot of one-fingered pecking to lose. Not to mention the times I've forgotten to bring the line down. Oh well, eventually I'll get the hang of it. See you later, if this one sees you at all.

Trucker Bob blogged at 8:31 AM

|

Tuesday, July 03, 2007

Morning folks. Bit of a bummer to start off this morning. Went next door yesterday at about 9 am and the dream RV was gone. They told me at the office that he left during the night to avoid the horrendous line-ups at the ferry lately, as much as 10 hours with all the caravans coming through. So no interior pictures, but something else for the car buffs.

This 1931 Dodge just drove from Battleford Sask. to Anchorage AK., and is now on the way back to Lethbridge AB. for a big Dodge Brothers Convention.


Check this out Dave, original engine, with obviously lots of TLC.


Look at the tires, compared to the boots worn today.


I tried talking to the people but they were not very friendly, in fact had an attitude, and since I don't do tudes I took these and left. Too bad, I would have loved learning about the trip. Makes you wonder why people would go to all this trouble, and even advertise their trip, then have such a snobbish way about them. Since it would have been apropos of the era, perhaps I should have told them to bite my crank. Okay, settle down. Other than those two disappointments, everything is fine here. I stayed home, did a laundry, read a bit, went for a walk, and just generally enjoyed my surroundings.

It wasn't all negative though. There is a couple here in this park that have also rented a site for a month like myself, and who have also been "full-timing" it for 7 years. What a great source of information for me, who is definitely considering doing just that. We visit back and forth, and I'm picking up all sorts of helpful hints.

They are both computer literate, and while it doesn't seem fair that I can get on here when they can't, he didn't mind helping me with something I've been wrestling with. Thanks to him, who is named Bob ( d'uh, heh heh ), I am now finally able to put my pictures in separate folders, instead of searching through hundreds to find what I want. They use their computers for their work and have not been exposed to blogs, and little ol' me was able to help them a bit with that. Funny how things work out.

Hope you're all doing well. Might see you later today if I can get on.

Trucker Bob blogged at 2:06 AM

|

Monday, July 02, 2007

Morning folks. First I want to start by apologizing for not replying to your comments yesterday. I did try, a number of times, but with no luck. I always enjoy chatting with you, but especially wanted to let you know the relief I felt for not being taken to task for that diatribe at the end of the last post. Not real proud of that, but felt better for doing it.

Went downtown yesterday and took in the Canada Day celebrations. By the time I caught a ride I missed the parade but still wandered around and enjoyed the festivities. Listened to a couple of thankfully short speeches, chatted with folks from literally all over the world, and possibly broke the record for number of hot dogs eaten. Hey! they were good, and they were free. My momma didn't raise no fool.

Got lots of neat pictures that I wish that I could post without fear of losing them, but I will get them up however, and whenever. Some I took at the, ahem, museum. My tutor wasn't there to distract me, so I spent some time going back in history. What a wonderful job they've done in preserving the past.

Also got a couple of pictures of my new "love". The owner wasn't home, but I'll be going back over there today, because he's going to let me take some pictures of the interior. He said "I hope you don't mind taking your shoes off". Hell, I'd take my clothes off to see this thing!

He's a retired trucker from Ontario, that took the biggest model of Volvo highway tractor, and built a motorhome out of it. Unbelievable! The insurance company appraised it at $800,000, but there's no way you could replace it for that. I've mentioned the best of both worlds, and this is my idea of that. I'll try a picture of it now, and hope like heck it shows up, along with this post for that matter.


This picture really doesn't do it justice, you'd have to see it "live" to appreciate it. But I wanted to get this up now to show you what has captured my heart. When I told the fellow about how I'm thinking seriously of full-timing it as a life-style, and would he like a driver, he said that if he didn't have the missus along, what a blast we could have. Damn straight!

As before, there is so much to show and tell, and over time I will get it done, but for now I'll try and get this much up. I'll keep playing with it, hey, I heard that!, and whenever I can get on I will.

Thanks again for hanging in with me, and this blankety-blank connection.

Trucker Bob blogged at 2:35 AM

|

Sunday, July 01, 2007

Morning folks. I think I've figured out how I'm able to get on here given the hit and miss signal. For one thing, I keep the windows ( pages) I want to use open, and the other is I don't shut the laptop off, nor put it in hibernation. I watch the light that blinks when the connection is lost, and when it stays lit I jump on it. It's far from ideal, but a little resourcefulness is necessary. Even with this I'm still losing posts, pics, etc., but it's better than having to start from scratch each time.

The cooling off here, 30 plus degrees, has been a blessing in so many ways. For one thing you can get out and around without sweating like a plowhorse, and for me at least, you can sleep. Between trips to the boudoir yesterday I slept a total of 11 hours. Unheard of for me, but I guess my ol' bod needed it. I'd sleep a couple of hours, come out and eat something, then crawl back in. As Dave says, it's rough up here.

Now for the name "Guggieville". Back when the Gold Rush was in full swing, mining claims were being bought, sold, lost in poker games, etc. The land this RV park sits on today is just a small part of the claims along Bonanza Creek that the Guggenheim family bought. While they certainly made money mining, their big money came from building the dredges and other equipment at this very spot. Their operation became so big that it became a village unto itself.

I've located an old picture of the operation, but it's behind glass in a frame. I'm going to work on the person that has it and see if she'll remove it so that I can get a picture to post. All I'm getting now are reflections. Hmm...wonder if a life-time membership into the Haremettes will work? Stay tuned.

Now for the whine du jour. When I first met the fellow that I was supposed to go the gold dredge with at the other RV park, it was early morning and I had a jacket on. When he asked me, rather cockily, what I was doing with Detroit Diesel and Roger Penske insignias on my jacket, he touched the right button. Excuse me? I'll damn tell you why, and I proceeded to make a believer out of him. Score one for the Big Guy!

I finally settled down and listened to him tell me about all the trucking he's done, the big boat at the Nanaimo Yacht Club, the airplane, etc. etc. I couldn't help but notice though that he and his wife, who was about the size of a small warehouse, were travelling in a 22' travel trailer being pulled by an ol' beater Mazda pickup, which was about the size of some of the lunch pails I've had over the years.

I also noticed that every time she would arch one of her arboreal eyebrows, he would almost cower under the table. That was all I needed to have a little fun. I told a couple of slightly off-color jokes to test their reactions. He almost stroked out suppressing a smile, and she handled it by stuffing bon-bons into her gaping maw with both hands. Score two for the Big Guy!

He had told me that his wife had no interest in seeing the dredge, but it seems that when she learned that we were going, all of a sudden she wanted just him and her to go. I found this out when he came over to apologize for standing me up. He was standing on the mat outside my door starting to take his shoes off when he told me. Stop! Leave your shoes on, grow a set, and beat it. Game, Set, and Match!

Living by oneself is not for everyone, but in so many situations I've seen, such as this one, it's hard to argue against it. Sharing is one thing, being dominated is quite another.



So there you have it, a little tech (?) stuff, a little history, and a little nastiness. Don't chastise me for the latter, it pi**ed me off so much that I just had to vent.

Trucker Bob blogged at 1:05 AM

|