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Leaving the campground just above Niagara Falls this morning, the river was just beautiful. 


This was my 10th border crossing of the trip. On the Canadian side of the bridge, this golf cart was pulled across the lanes to hold us there. About 10 minutes later, it moved on, & so did we - no idea what that was about. 


This McDonalds on the south side of Buffalo looks to me like a slightly updated version of something out of the 1960s or early 70's. Somehow, a McDonalds seems like the perfect symbol of re-entry into everyday life after a trip to Alaska. 
 

After 13,519 miles & 124 days on the road, it was good to arrive home about 5:00 this evening. 

My next post will be next week when I hit the road again. 

*   *   *   *   *

Wildlife sightings - final count for the trip

    black bears - 27       deer - 17 (12 Sitka)             grizzlies - 8          moose - 8

    stone sheep - 17        elk - 1                   caribou - 15            bison - 42    

    Dall sheep - 11        porcupines -1         mountain goats - 3       lynx - 1

    trumpeter swans - 34+        many bald eagles    black oyster catcher - 1 (rare)

    sea otters - 27             harbor seals - many, many, many         orcas - 1

    many sea stars & jelly fish        Dall's porpoise - ~ 20

    North Pacific Humpback whales - 2 pods of ~ 12 each + 1 + 1 + 3

    Stellar's sea lions - many, 100+ incl 60 pups in 1 spot (counted by scientists)



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