Tomorrow - ALASKA

Can hardly believe it but this time tomorrow we’ll be waking up in Signal Creek, a Tongass National Forest campground. We will actually be in Alaska! Seems like we left Bisbee ages ago and spent a lifetime driving through Canada, the land of overcast skies, warm friendly people, and $6/gallon gasoline. We did see a fox in its shaggy winter coat, a magnificent Bald eagle sitting next its nest, and a some Highland cattle (looks like the off-spring of a Texas longhorn and Musk Ox) yesterday so have to say we did enjoy see all the wildlife, too.

The next few hours will be spent cleaning the motorhome; doing things like defrosting the freezer, scrubbing the shower stall, washing the floor, etc. What fun?!!? But hate the idea of having a grubby rig at the start of a month living in the forest (no full hookups for awhile).

Although the weatherman is predicting rain for today (FYI the prediction for yesterday was partly sunny and it rained most of the day. Guess Canadian weatherpeople are as reliable as those in states) the sun is shining brightly. The private campground we are in is about a mile from the ferry terminal. Between its location and the closeness of the ferry, I would much rather take the kids for a long walk in the sun to see the boats but there are chores to do.

I remember last time we crossed the border back into the states, the custom guys cleaned all beef out my freeze so this time I planned not to have anything for him. Thought I had it planned perfectly until I discovered a chunk of hamburger hiding in the back of the freezer. Well, I had all the fixings for Sloppy Joes except the buns. Quick - need a solution - Dumplings!!! This is what I did and Fred says he likes it better than buns.

Make a batch of Sloppy Joes, using your preferred method, in a pot with a domed cover.
Put 3/4 cups white flour, 1 tsp baking powder, and1/4 tsp salt in a bowl. Cut in 1 ½ Tablespoon soft shortening (margarine can be substituted). Gently blend in 6 Tablespoons of milk. Drop four (4) spoonfuls of the batter onto as much of the meat as possible. Cook at a simmer 10 minutes uncovered, then 10 minutes covered tightly. Serves 4 (double ingredients for 8 serving) It was yummy with corn and a salad. Now it’s time to get to work.