Day 113: Last Day in Haines

August 5, 2014

Today was a cloudy day. No rain and some breaks of blue sky and sun at times but mostly cloudy. Morning temp was 58 with a high of 68. When the wind was blowing or in the shade, you needed long sleeves.

This morning we again worked on travel plans trying to locate campgrounds in Canada to make reservations since we will not have phone service after tomorrow morning until we reach the lower 48. We really don't like to plan that far out on campgrounds because we never know what road conditions will be or if we will want to stay some place extra days. So, for now it is just a guess and we will have to try to handle everything else with emails when we have WIFI. We think we will have WIFI tomorrow night, but then probably will not for the next 2 or 3 nights so don't worry if we don't post.

After that we walked back into town and then out the beach to some scenic areas. The ocean was not nearly as rough today and such a beautiful blue-green color. We watched some boats come and go and the birds play. We probably got about 3 miles exercise type walking today with some other browsing downtown. Like all towns, Haines has its share of unique sights.

Unusual stone art

We have been seeing "rock bears" and "stump bears" along the roadside this whole trip, but this is the only one that actually looks like a bear up close.

Even the old buildings with peeling paint have beautiful flower beds

We then went back out to Chilkoot Lake to check for the bears, but didn't see one today. The eagles were still there and the fishermen were catching some nice fish.

Anne also got a haircut today and boy was she glad. Finding someone who really knows how to cut hair is hard when you are in different location. The haircut done in Eagle River was far from Judy's work, so it had just grow for the past 2 months. Today was the day it had to be cut and a lady in the camp office recommended someone. Thankfully, Judith really knows how to cut hair and Max even said, “You look like you do after you see Judy at home.” Life is good.

Since this was our last day in Haines we went back to Big Al's for one more halibut sandwich. It was oh so good again.

A very popular place

Some of the fries disappeared before the picture was taken

We also had one more soft serve ice cream. We have really enjoyed our time here in Haines and considered staying another week, but don't want to run out of time and have to drive long days getting back to Alabama, so with some sadness we will leave in the morning. The scenery and residents of Haines are just wonderful. This little town has such as good spirit. We will miss it, but we know there are more beautiful and fun places yet to see. Please keep us in your prayers as the next 3-4 days will be driving days and then we will stay in Stewart, BC/Hyder, AK for a few days.