Another amazing day. Another moment in time!
The early morning was beautiful on Moon Lake. Unfortunately we knew it was time to move on. Late last night a group of locals moved into the campground. They got on paddle boards and hung out on the lake until who knows when, playing their music and enjoying life. We could still hear them at midnight. Can’t blame them. I’d probably do the same out there.
Luckily for us we had four plans in the works for our final destination of the day as we head closer to Fairbanks. First try was Birch Lake. Crazy! Small area with a bunch of boats trying to launch in a little lake and the campsites were basically the boat ramp parking area. I could barely drive through. We moved on.
Second try we came to was Harding Lake. Not many campers because the forestry service was there clearing the extremely dense forest there in and around the campground. Chainsaws, fire trucks and we even saw a helicopter fly over with a sling load. We moved on.
Third shot was the charm! We stopped at Salcha River Recreation Site. We almost left. The parking lot was another boat ramp but larger and on the Salcha River filled with tons and tons of trucks with boat trailers. We saw two of the six campsites with fire pits that were overgrown on the side of the parking lot and they had not been cleared in years. Never found the other four.
However we knew from satellite views there was a rockbank here in the river bend. In the far corner of the parking lot was a small one lane road that lead into the woods. We decided to park and walk it! As we approached we could hear the fire helicopter landing ahead of us on the river.
As we cleared the dense forest path we had found not only the helicopter but the beautiful open large rockbank. RVs were out here as well. Tim and I along with Jett did a quick scout of the beach and then headed back to get the Airstream. We decided to have Tim drive in and I walked far enough ahead with a walkie to warn of any oncoming traffic. Thank goodness for the lift kit on the Airstream or we probably wouldn’t have driven out here.
There were only a few other campers here on our arrival. More came after we set up and groups of locals came for the evening just in cars and trucks to celebrate Father’s Day and the amazing weather on the stunning river setting. Even a skoolie showed up! There is a definite sense of community here out on the rockbank. Several came over to say hello! Gave one tour of the Airstream.
Perfect weather day. (80*) Dogs running loose everywhere. Kids playing in the water. Families barbecuing. Helicopter chill’n. T-Rex floating down river. Aluminum jet powered shallow boats and enclosed airboats flying past in the river. Our little monster even got to swim again. But we limited her time with the cold river water. Wow. Entertaining day!
The fire service helicopter took off later and then returned. The ground crew came over to warn us so that we could put our portable solar panels up. They continued flying crews out and back until 10pm and will return tomorrow.
So here we are. Wild Camping in the wilderness!In Alaska!! This is not a designated campground. There are no set campsites. Just park where there isn’t anyone. Be kind and mindful of those around you. No services for your RV but we don’t need any and we actually have two bars on the cellular service here! Bonus.
Sunset: 12:31 am
Sunrise: 3:06 am
Elevation: 650’
Miles from home:
4,562 miles
Wildlife viewings:
2 -Moose
1 - Amphibious Dinosaur 🦖
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