Into the Pacific Northwest

On By Carolyn Swed

We are on the road again! JD and I, in the company of our good friends Lee and Kathy, and Baja-rescue dogs Koko and Alma, are headed into the Pacific Northwest! It’s as good an opportunity as any to pick up our blog again.

A few months back, JD called Lee and Kathy from Baja (I was back east in Ohio, visiting my sister and helping my Dad). JD asked them if they were up for another adventure. Kathy didn’t hesitate: “Yes!! Lee needs new stories!!” And the planning began.

So here’s our caravan – each couple is driving its own truck camper. Lee and Kathy’s rig is towing an enclosed trailer containing two Kawasaki 650 motorcycles, 4 bicycles, 2 stand up paddle boards, 4 spare tires, associated jacks and power tools, a Blackstone griddle/grill, extra clothes/shoes, and food and drinks. JD and I are hauling our Gregor Ocean 20 fishing boat, with an 80-horse power Johnson outboard motor and a 9.9-hp Suzuki kicker. We trailered the “Pelli,” named after our last dog, all the way up from Baja California just for this adventure!

Lee and Kathy’s truck
Our truck, towing the “Pelli”

And, after 10 solid days of packing, re-packing, and cleaning our house for renters (income that offsets our fuel costs!), we awoke this morning after a light rain overnight to a beautiful, clear, blue Montana sky. We pulled out of Bozeman just after 10am, headed toward Bandon, Oregon, where we will visit fellow retired NPS Ranger – and best man at our wedding – Steve Luckesen, and his wife Tammy. From there, we will head north, hugging the Oregon and Washington coastlines before crossing into Canada. Our ultimate destination is Talkeetna, Alaska – where JD and his first wife Maureen raised their daughters, Anika and Kara while JD served for 10 years as the South District Ranger for Denali National Park (more on this later). The last time JD, Lee, Kathy and I were there, we were riding two-up on motorcycles, 9 years ago. This time we are older and heavier (some of us in more ways than one!), hopefully wiser, and every bit as eager for this precious time together, exploring some more of North America’s beautiful, wild and wondrous places. We’ve allotted about 2 months for the trip – stay tuned!

Our route

14 thoughts on “Into the Pacific Northwest”

  2. Mark Motsko's avatar Mark Motsko

    Hello Carolyn and JD.

    Phyllis and I worked with JD at Denali , we will also be traveling to Ak ,in mid August. Our plans are to stay for 5-6 weeks. We’d love to catch up if our paths cross.

    My email is mtmotsko106@gmail.com if you would like to stay in touch.

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  3. Mark T Motsko's avatar Mark T Motsko

    Hello Carolyn and JD,

    Phyllis and I worked with JD at Denali, we too are truck camping on our way to Alaska departing Oregon around 8/15. It would be cool to hook up with you two if the stars align.

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      2. mtmotsko106's avatar mtmotsko106

        Hey JD,

        Looks like you are enjoying Oregon,  Crater Lake is a gem.

        We enjoyed our time with the Habeckers , beautiful location.  Both girls were there to help celebrate Tom and Donna’s 75 th birthday.

        <

        div dir=”ltr”>Hope to run into you

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  4. clair and liz's avatar clair and liz

    so exciting! We’re eager to hear about your trip, as this is similar to the one we started planning three years ago which then got hijacked by others who wanted tag along and then eventually got so out of control that the whole thing imploded. We WILL go back to that simpler trek of three years ago SOMEDAY. – Liz

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  7. Kim Glass's avatar Kim Glass

    So jelly!! Tim and I are planning a similar trip with friends from BC next July 2024. Can’t wait to hear all your adventures along the way. Have a GREAT time!!
    Hugs, love, and safe travels,
    🌸 Kim & Tim

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