Chena Hot Springs | Van Life Alaska

This week, we complete our journey on The Dalton Highway and begin a new adventure to Chena Hot Springs. We begin the day at Marion Creek Campground and work south past the mighty Yukon River to Hilltop Fuel Station for lunch. We then soak our road weary bones in the hot springs and find a nice little boondocking spot along the Chena River.
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[@PermafrostBeards]

Wish the Citabria would’ve been up, could’ve met you out at the Hot Springs! Another great video! Love seeing Ember enjoy the river and be an awesome happy dog!

[@angelabarabas7917]

Anther great adventure. Thanku

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

You’re welcome Angela. Have a great week! Xo

[@malletedsouza7104]

Hello there 🙏. A great video 👌

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Hello! Thank you, have a wonderful week!

[@northstar68]

Hello, from Iowa 😊

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Hello Sara! Have a great week. :)

[@geroldknoebel3836]

Sehr schönes Video. So ist es leider, wenn man mit Freunden unterwegs war, irgendwann ist die Zeit vorbei und so mancher Abschied ist traurig. Kopf hoch und passt gut auf euch auf, das Leben geht immer weiter. Grüße aus Frankfurt

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Vielen Dank. Ja, das Schlimmste am Reisen mit anderen ist, sich verabschieden zu müssen.

[@giuseppantoniodacci5875]

CIAO FROM ITALY MILANO

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Buona settimana!

[@briangreen9677]

I saw this rise up of the drone in a previous video and it makes me wonder, does it annoy you just a little bit that the van at the 5 o’clock position is the only one in the shot not connected to your van in the center with a black extension cord? Just for symmetry I’d have had to throw a garden hose out there or something just to make it uniform. But that’s just me. Other than that, the shot is awesome! I also chuckled a bit about the comment, “And we’re going to fill up on diesel.” A big pause…Jim says nothing…starts the van. Hilarious! We all know it’s going to cost you an arm, a leg, and at least one kidney. As of now, we’re at $5.12 a gallon for diesel. We’re being warned of diesel shortages and possible unavailability around Thanksgiving…so THAT’LL be fun! I loved the views going back down the Dalton Highway and your use of the word “tantalizing”. Extra points for that one! I know it sucks that Alaska lost so many acres to wildfires, but you have to look at it as a means of putting nutrients back into the ground. The Native Americans in California used to burn the land as they were making their way from their winter living areas to their summer ones. That kept the nutrients in the ground and actually boosted growth. It still sucks to see something like that happening though. It’s like visiting Mt. St. Helens and seeing all the trees still blasted down from the eruption all the way back in 1980. The comment, “the uneasy feeling of shortsightedness” was eloquently put. The fog revealing just what’s immediately ahead is somewhat daunting yet it’s most often when we’re focused on that which is in the distance that something close to us catches us off our guard. I loved you holding up the miniature of Finger Rock for us all to imagine it out there beyond the veil. The blueberry pie did look amazing. It’s so great to see good food way up there and not stuff that barely gets you through. I’d love to see old steam paddle boats going up and down that river again. As a tourist, I’d certainly go for an adventure like that! I noticed that while you were filming your van hitting 60,000 miles that your low tire pressure sensor was on. Do you air down your tires for the Dalton? “This area is highly populated with moose.” Then you see the moose standing there behind all the trees with their radios talking to all the other moose. “Hey, they said this area was highly populated by us, so we need to stay behind the trees, okay!” I remember the last time you filmed at the hot springs. You two rushed out there because it was so cold and Jim’s beard froze. It was hilarious to see the contrast between the hot water and the freezing air. The only downside is that…eventually…you have to get out of the nice hot water and into the freezing air all the while wet. I’m sure it made for rapid movement back to the van. The shot of you watching Ember swim away down the river and you having to go down and coax her out just goes to show that she’s part fish. It’s also comical to hear the exacerbation in your voice as you walk away, likely thinking to yourself, “she’ll get out and back up to camp on her own.” Someday there’ll come a time when I’m sitting across the campfire from you and I’ll get to tell you tales of being stuck in a blizzard in Switzerland, retelling the story of my Babylonian hijinx, having to rescue a German firefighter from their own underground obstacle course, having monkeys howling at us while playing wargames in Panama, or the joyful experience of hearing a helicopter pilot (Blackhawk) hear a bunch of warning alarms going off when we’re 700 feet off the ground and him saying, “Well, that’s not good.” Someday… Until then, stay mischievous, caffeine-enhanced, and tip the boat while you’re in it just to let them all now just how crazy you really are. Keep smiling you two!

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Hi Brian, a few more adjectives were needed for this one since it was such a long driving day so thank you for picking up on that. Your insight is always wonderful for us. That first shot is funny and has a meaning behind it coming up in our next video. Makes me smile that you picked up on that. Looking forward to the day we can share stories around the fire as well. As you are well aware, it’s not something we filmed often along the way because for me it was a time to put the cameras down so this one was a little different for us. Great memories. Thanks for being here with us Brian. Talk soon. Xo

[@ivanhoe603]

Hola buenas noches desde España 🇪🇦 les quería saludar y darles las gracias por los buenos momentos que me hacen pasar. He tenido un grave problema en la visión pero gracias a Dios 🙏 vuelvo a tener visión y me estoy poniendo al día de sus aventuras que me ayudan a sobrellevar las secuelas que tengo del accidente de tráfico. Lamentablemente mi perro al que rescate de una perrera y al cual le puse el nombre de su marido falleció en el accidente, el estra conmigo siempre en mi mente y corazón❤️Muchas gracias.

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

¡Buenos dias! ¡Lamentamos mucho su pérdida! nuestros pensamientos y oraciones están contigo. Esperamos que tenga una pronta recuperación y nos alegramos de que esté recuperando su salud. Por favor, mantente a salvo. Agradecemos que esté aquí con nosotros. ¡Ten una maravillosa semana!

[@fatmonet]

Not keeping an eye on ember is enough for me to unsubscribe. I've followed your channel but you don't seem to consider current and wild animals with your dog. It's frustrating and I can't watch something happen to ember. And she didn't swim that far, the current took her.

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Ember is very experienced in that environment. She floats rivers often and runs back up the bank. No we don’t keep her on a short leash in an environment we are familiar with. If it was someplace she wasn’t familiar with then she sticks close to the van on her own.

[@LeeLeesAdventures]

Hi cynthia & Jim great chilled out video hanging out with the gang. Loved hearing your voice again its so relaxing hearing you talk. So happy you are still getting out and about, with the rebel group. The van will need a good was after this trip. You have a beautiful country to go explore. You could fit the UK in one of your lakes lol . Stay safe happy travels see you again soon michael & Kim uk xx

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Thank you. We are glad you enjoyed it. We will have some new content soon. Just keep getting distracted :)

[@donpenfield3321]

Beautiful country you have up there! Another awesome video thanks for filming!

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Thank you Don. We are glad you enjoyed it!

[@yvonnerodriguez1032]

I love your videos. I was wondering, is it possible to live full-time in the van or truck camper in Alaska?

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Yes it is possible as long as you are properly insulated and have a good reliable heater.

[@georgegandara6054]

Regards from the Chilean Patagonia.... have a blessed week!👍

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Thank you George. Have a wonderful week!

[@miguelpereyra7385]

mis gracias desde Uruguay por compartir sus experiencias , espero sus proximas aventuras , gracias muchas gracias

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Muchas gracias. Nos alegramos de que lo hayas disfrutado.

[@michele2017promastertravel]

Yeah, been waiting for you. I'm all smiles.

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Smiling back at you. :)

[@julievonkanel7370]

Where did you boondock on the Chena River? Great videos!

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Lots of spots to boondock in that area :)

[@billkaminsky6255]

Good afternoon, looking like Miami is going to lose today. Lions 14-0. Well, at least the game is not being broadcast here. Dallas is winning 14-0. Such is football. Y'all have a great week and stay happy healthy and warm.

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Hello Mr. Bill. Happy to hear you are enjoying your Sunday. The Cowboys are doing GREAT today and it’s COLD here. Enjoy the rest of your week. Xo

[@billkaminsky6255]

@@WingsandWheelsAlaska ❤️

[@sherriweber7105]

Hi Jim and Cynthia! Good to see your meetup is still with you. I watched on the food network Guy can’t say his lady name hard to pronounce. But you probably know who I mean. His show had on a restaurant that’s suppose to be really good in Fairbanks Alaska. And did look good from what I could see. I thought you both when I saw that episode. Your pie looked good and so did your meal. I love country fired chicken or steak. I would do that if I was that woman with the show boot combo. In Michigan when I drive there I couldn’t drive with no it’s on so I drove with a shoe instead. Gotta go for comfort. Lol! I can’t believe it’s November already. Where have all the days gone? It went by quick.

[@allanhover5008]

Hello you too sorry I have been sick good to see you too

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Happy to hear you are feeling better Allan. Enjoy the rest of you week.

[@pamelagoodwind7574]

I enjoy the way you do your storytelling. ❤

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Thank you Pamela.

[@sherriweber7105]

I wonder how the puzzle went. It looked like fun. I love puzzles. If I was there I would help with the puzzle. I wished I saw the finished puzzle to see what it was. Great video. Thank you for such a great adventure. Hope you have a great week and weekend. See you soon!

[@shdbmw]

Awesome adventure, safe travels!!

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Thank you. Have a wonderful week!

[@patsymisso]

Hello from Christchurch, New Zealand 👋👋

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Hello Pat!

[@patsymisso]

You are living my dream, love watching, listening and following yr adventures. Stay safe and we will meet one day 🤞

[@sherriweber7105]

The hot springs looked a lot of fun while you all were there. Nice and relaxing. Ope everyone did have a blast.

[@ajfletcher8350]

I have not watched you in a while. I forgot how much I love listening to the sound of your voice. You are a wonderful story teller.

[@TEB64]

Have you considered putting a larger fuel tank on your revel?

[@bettyconheeney3825]

Have loved your trip.

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Thank you Betty!

[@artisanstucco38]

Hello Jim and Cynthia,i am in processes to get a 2022 revel, I found a spec on google, for the mile p gallons is it that bad.

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Congratulations! We average 14-16 MPG with ours and it is heavily modified. We were at 15-18 when the Revel was stock. For the size of it, we get about the same as an old pickup truck.

[@BrianSmithTheDukeofURL]

I’m picking up my Earthroamer next Wednesday Nov 2nd. Very excited to get traveling. Q: what radio system are you using? I’m a HAM but I’m thinking GMRS would be beneficial as well. How do you communicate with the truckers? Are they still CB based? Thanks for your input, love the channel never miss an episode.

[@briangreen9677]

Lucky you! I've seen a few Earthroamers and they are absolutely amazing. If I ever won the lottery I assure you I'd own one of them too! As far as I know, the truckers here in the lower 48 all still use CB and do just fine with it. It seems likely that they'd do the same up there. HAM is a useful tool but gets a little complicated when you're away from repeaters as you'd be in Alaska. I believe the radios Jim & Cynthia use are GMRS. Their range is quite good but finding other people out there with them on can be tricky as well. Emergency communication is one of the thing I think a lot about. Once again, enjoy every minute with that incredible Earthroamer!

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

spot on answer Brian. Congratulations on the earthroamer. Those are beautiful rigs. They do use CB up here also. We use GMRS to communicate with others. Pretty common for most of the offroad groups up here to use GMRS so it is handy to have if you need assistance. We did pick up the new iphone recently with the satellite emergency response... we haven't had to use it yet and hopefully never will but if we do then it will be a nice little emergency system if it really does work.

[@BrianSmithTheDukeofURL]

Thanks guys. I saw the iPhone satellite emergency 🆘 system and it’s definitely on the list. I currently have inreach and a personal locator beacon. Looks like I’ll have, Ham, GMRS, FMRS, and CB with me. I hope to see you all down the road.

[@TomWickstrom]

Do you have any mor plans for trips like this one to northern Alaska and/or Canada??

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Hi Tom. Yes we plan to do this again and include Tuktoyaktuk on the route for summer of 2023.

[@TomWickstrom]

@@WingsandWheelsAlaska Please put me on your list for those interested and let me know where I can find additional information on the trip. We have a 2021 Revel that I would love to take on a trip up north.

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

@@TomWickstrom we would love to have you along. We have the tentative dates posted on our Facebook page and over on the Winnebago Revel 4x4 Facebook group. We will post more info as we finalize everything.

[@yayasdt2738]

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Thank you Yaya!

[@KamaainaGirl]

A Hui Hou💞🌈🤙

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Thank you. Have a wonderful week!

[@fokaspetrogiannis]

Great 👍

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Thank you Fokas!

[@bradkemp7822]

Hello. Have a great week.

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

You as well Brad! It’s COLD here now. :)

[@bradkemp7822]

@@WingsandWheelsAlaska it’s 74 in South Louisiana. We might have winter for a weekend maybe.

[@garyaaron8425]

Accidentally read the disparaging remark about Ember and my comment was going to say: I love watching Ember swim. She's such a lover of water and how happy it makes me to watch her swim and play. I was going to do a thumbs down, but too much effort for negativity's sake. 😄 It is a beautiful trip and sharing it with us is very much appreciated. And watching Ember and the other pups makes my heart smile and sing. Last, I love Ember's spirit and water acumen! Thank you once again.

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Hi Gary. We appreciate hearing everyone’s opinion whether it is positive or negative. We are all entitled to that. What I find humorous was that they implied we don’t take care of Ember. We are probably the biggest dog lovers out there and train them. We are glad you enjoyed the video!

[@bernardcarpenter6949]

What a ride. I do hope you guys do this every year. I must do this trip. My Mother and her late husband went to Alaska (in a Honda Odyssey van) and loved it. Thanks again for sharing all you do. It's great to see. Have a great week. :)

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Thank you Bernard. We know we will do another one next year.. we can’t guarantee beyond that since… who knows where life will lead us :). We will do it as much as we can though. We would love to have you along. Have a wonderful week!

[@craigivie720]

Great job and great video. Can’t wait for our Alaska adventure next year. Looks like you guys had an awesome group to share it with.

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Thank you Craig. We hope to meet you next year! Have a wonderful week!

[@36PawsPNWC]

Great to see everyone enjoying the journey and the inner calling you to both the present moment and future travels. Thank you for the wonderful music! Blessings 🙏🏽

[@deborahschaub2925]

Good morning as i watch vicariously your travels of Alaska and the other places you’ve been to the last 60,000 miles. Congratulations on 60K miles as that is an amazing accomplishment. Oh to see ALASKA once again through your travels. Waikiki is my next move and I’m more that happy of that choice for my life. Safe travels blessings and hugs, Deb

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

You are going to love Waikiki. Very crowded for our tastes but we do enjoy going there for a visit. We hope you are doing well Deb ❤️. Have a wonderful week!

[@deborahschaub2925]

This is my final time going there as I’ve been 6 times in the past since 1997. Yes it’s busy yet having friends on other islands for an escape is great. So thankful for them.

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

@@deborahschaub2925 have a blast Deb!

[@angelavitulli6994]

Hi Jim and Cynthia great to see you both again 😀 Thank you for another wonderful video and beautiful scenery ❤ woof woof Ember.

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Thank you Angela. We are glad you enjoyed it. Have a wonderful week!

[@wantisin9623]

i don't like too much scenes of the lady selfie. the scenario outside is awesome, i think should focus on the car outside, unless car is stopped(selfie time).

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

We try not to talk TO the camera too much in our videos and find balance between the scenery, showing our faces and the story. Actually, I (The lady talking to the camera) get uncomfortable talking to the camera. Thank you for the feedback.

[@johnplyler7054]

Great Trip!

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Hi John, it was so much fun. Thank you for being here with us. Xo