This Extraordinary Adventure Begins
Knox County Schools Conservation Camp at Big Ridge State Park was probably the place where the concept of travel camping began. This summer camp was where most of the counselors that participated in the trips met one another and Mr. Drennen. He and June Goforth were the reason travel camping started.
The first trip in 1973 was named the Appalachian Trail Trip. Travelers hiked pieces of the Appalachian Trail in every state, except Georgia, all the way to Maine. They also stopped in Nova Scotia and saw the Bay of Fundy. The Tennessee Trip was in 1974. Staying close to home, due to the gas shortage, they visited Tennessee State Parks. Mr. Drennen then came up with the idea of the Alaska Trip for 1975.
30 Campers, Mr. Drennen, 8 Counselors and adults including Bus driver John Genes and the Provider of our Meals, Mrs. Williams, left Knoxville on June 18th 1975 on a 13,800 mile trip of 9 weeks and 2 days.
It’s a big country!
39 individuals left Knoxville; some friends, some acquaintances, some of us unknown to the rest. We returned mid August with memories, stories and music that binds us together still. Our families paid $600…$600 per traveler for us to have this experience. An experience of a life time. I do not take for granted the strength and forethought Mr. Drennen put into this endeavor. He somehow trusted us enough to do our best, for we could not be perfect. That kind of person is rare. How lucky we were to know him.
As an adult, when I mention in conversation that I went to Alaska…the summer before my freshman year…in a school bus, most people, as adults, are shocked! They cannot comprehend it. We were teenagers who were told to take care of our belongings; our tents, our utensils and plates and bowls, our clothing, our blisters. And we did our best.
I would like to thank everyone who helped us move through all these locations and who helped make them beautiful to kids who were at a most skeptical age. We do, however, look very happy.
Leaving Knoxville.
The following descriptions of our trip are taken from a very cool daily “diary” kept by Amy Savory over the course of the trip. Amy created an itinerary with thoughtful insights and facts. The photos are taken from a library sent to us by Scott Mitchell that includes files from Renee Sapp, Lewis Hall, Sam Bozeman, David Johnson.
A big thank you to All!
June 18, 1975 Leaving Knoxville
Our Bluebird school bus pulls out from a Knoxville, Tennessee parking lot filled with high school students. Mr. Drennen leads us in his van and his trailer packed with camping items. Our first stop is Camp Energy in Land Between the Lakes. Tents are set up and it was time to swim and eat supper.
June 19, 1975 Camp Energy in Land Between the Lakes, Kentucky. This was a day to swim, hike, fish, and even see bison in the park
June 20, 1975 travel day to eastern St. Louis. We camped by the world heritage site of Cahokia Mounds
June 21, 1975 travel day to Graham Cave State Park in Missouri. Group had time to explore the St. Louis zoo prior to heading to Graham Cave.
June 22, 1975 travel day to Lewis and Clark State Park in Missouri. This beautiful park contained a lake which was believed to have been named Gosling Lake by Lewis and Clark
“I remember that a Knoxville radio station, maybe WNOX, sent us on our way down I-40 by playing the song North To Alaska. We tuned in and listened to it on the bus radio.” ~Charis
Stone State Park, the Badlands, Black Hills, Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park
June 23, 1975 Laundry day and travel day to Stone State Park in Iowa. We camped in this park and took a short hike near the Big Sioux River
June 24, 1975 Travel day to enter South Dakota and Camp at American Creek recreation area. Our group camped by the Missouri river and went swimming at the swimming beach in the park
June 25, 1975 Badlands in South Dakota. Explored and hiked in the Badlands in the midst of heavy winds. We camped that night during a powerful thunderstorm and were warned of a nearby tornado. We left our tents for safer areas until the warnings passed.
June 26, 1975 Badlands and Black Hills of South Dakota. The campsite was in the Black Hills and we found time to play football and explore the Mountain near our campsite
June 27, 1975 Mount Rushmore and Custer State Park. We walked through the studio of the creator of the sculpture of Crazyhorse. Observed the work done on the actual Crazyhorse sculpture on the mountain.
Washington’s head is 60 feet tall and the heads of Jefferson, T. Roosevelt and Lincoln are comparable in size. The whole site is amazing!
Big Horn Mountain, Yellowstone, Grand Tetons, Glacier National Park
June 28, 1975 Big Horn Mountains-Powder River Pass-Wind River Campground Wyoming. Hundreds of antelope were seen today as we camped along the Wind River in Wyoming
June 29, 1975 Yellowstone National Park - Otter Creek Campground. The mighty bus took us to the Mud Volcano area where we saw the Dragon's Mouth. Steam spewed out of the Dragon's mouth at the hydrothermal site. Our campground was at Otter Creek where we were visited by a bison and a moose. We also experienced a 6.5 earthquake and the fire in our fire ring moved as we shook as well.
June 30, 1975 Yellowstone and travel to the Tetons. It was time to visit the Upper Falls in the Lower Falls in Yellowstone National Park. We also caught Old Faithful erupting near Canyon Village. Later in the day we left Yellowstone Park to drive to the Tetons in Wyoming.
July 1, 1975 Choteau KOA in Montana in Three Forks Montana. Our bus needed some work so we could continue on our trip. A bad hail storm and flooded roads greeted us at the Choteau KOA in the county seat of Teton County, Montana.
July 2, 1975 travel to Saint Marys KOA by Glacier National Park, Montana. It was time to take a shuttle to Logan Pass in Glacier National Park. The scenery was magnificent and we even had time for a snowball fight prior to sitting in the lodge by the fire.
“As I was walking down the hill from our tents to the kitchen tent to get hot chocolate, the earthquake happened. I felt the ground shake but what I remember most was the shushing of the pine needles. For some reason I was not scared.” ~Charis
“I could not believe the piles of snow still in July. They were so tall and it seemed like snow was all around.” ~Charis
“Those streams of runoff from the snow was so clear and cold, we drank from it…I loved the green and pink rocks and remember them to this day” ~Charis
Calgary Stampede Alberta, Canada, Canadian Rockies, Columbian Ice Field, Watson Lake
July 3, 1975 travel to Calgary Alberta, Canada
July 4, 1975 the Calgary Stampede. The group spent today at the Calgary Stampede an amazing rodeo. This rodeo is one of the largest in the world and the pageantry of the event was amazing since many of us had never seen a real rodeo. The horses and the cowboys and cowgirls kept us entertained for hours.
July 5, 1975 travel to Jasper Alberta. The Canadian Rockies are spectacular. We are enjoying this alpine region and the snow covered mountains which surround us We met some French speaking students from Montreal and learned how to play stick or can.
July 6, 1975 the Columbian icefield. The Columbian icefield is the largest icefield in North America's Rocky Mountains and six more glaciers are in this region. Our group was not allowed to walk on the ice field because of the numerous crevasses. The Athabasca glacier was the glacier closest to us from our vantage point near Jasper. We walked on some glacial rock dust and set an awe of the size of the icefield. Laundry night was spent in Jasper
July 7 travel to Green Acres in Alberta, Canada - July 8 travel to Fraser Lake British Columbia
July 9, 1975 our travels on the logging road began because parts of the Alaskan highway was shut down the group traveled on the logging road to reach Watson Lake and intersect with the section of the open Alaskan highway on this leg of our journey we went to Skowell Creek along the logging road mosquitoes were horrible
July 10, 1975 Watson Lake Yukon and the open part of the Alaska Highway, Watson Lake Campground had pay showers showers are always welcome luxury we are now entering the areas traveled by Gold Rush explorers.
July 11, 1975 Travel day to Pioneer Trailer Park near Whitehorse. Before leaving Watson Lake, the Knox County school sign was placed amid the many signs in the Watson Lake Sign Post forest.
Whitehorse, Dawson City, Yukon Territory, Alaska Highway, Fairbanks Alaska
July 12, 1975 A day in Whitehorse on the Yukon River in the Yukon Territory. After logging roads and wilderness travel it was time to wash the bus in the Yukon River Our campground was set up near the Yukon River and Whitehorse. We had time to explore the Klondike II which was beached on the side of the Yukon River. Whitehorse is the largest town in the Yukon and we are now at mile 918 on the Alaskan highway. Daylight is now 19 hours long
July 13, 1975 Travel to Dawson City in the Yukon Territory. Dawson City is considered the home of the Klondike Gold Rush. Our campground was on the beach of the Yukon River and we explored abandon paddle wheelers which were beached on the side of the river (the Julia P, the Siwatka, and the Seattle III.) Everyone was shocked to realize that we were exploring these boats at 3:30AM. We were and experiencing 20 hours of daylight.
July 14, 1975 tour of Dawson City Dawson City still has the feel of a gold rush town the Old Sourdough Saloon has swinging doors and an interior that reflects a time long past. It was a day to explore the town and the town's history while also doing a bit of souvenir shopping
July 15, 1975 travel to Fairbanks, Alaska. We entered Alaska via the Alaska highway and stopped to have our pictures made at the Welcome to Alaska sign. Our next stop was in the town of Tok Junction. when we reached our Toyona Valley Fair Campground in Fairbanks we realized that the campground was also filled with people working on the Alaska pipeline. we are now in almost 24 hours of daylight.
July 16, 1975 Touring Fairbanks, Alaska The town of Fairbanks is equipped for the cold. 110 AC plugs were in parking meters so car batteries would not freeze in the cold. It was time to shop for souvenirs and roam around the town. There was indeed a fair next to the campground and we had a chance to roam the fairgrounds.
Mt. McKinley/Denali, Anchorage, Alaska
July 17, 1975 trip to McKinley (now Denali) National park after setting up camp near the Teklanika river in the national park. We observed mountains covered in snow and Alpine Meadows
July 18, 1975 exploring McKinley National Park (now Denali National Park) it was time to expose this beautiful park. Some of the group decided to hike in the park while others took the eight hours bus tour of the park. The great crown of the area was visible as we gazed at the highest mountain in North America. We were not disappointed as we saw grizzly bears, dall sheep, caribou and moose. The hikers had lunch on a tall mountain peak. The glacier carved valley was below and the hikers were amazed at the views.
July 19, 1975 travel to Kenai Peninsula. We drove on the Alaskan highway through Anchorage Alaska where we stopped and roamed around the shoreline. Dinner was at McDonald's. Then the crew headed onto the Kenai Peninsula. Arriving at 1:30 in the morning, we set up camp.
Kenai Peninsula, Devil’s Pass, Resurrection Creek
July 20, 1975 Began a three day backpacking hike. The group began their hike to Devils Pass and found a shelter shortly after the pass. Several Dall sheep were observed on a nearby mountain. The girls camped in the shelter and the boys camped outside.
July 21, 1975 Summer Solstice hike from Devil’s Pass to East Creek cabin. The hike continued to East Creek cabin approximately 7 miles. Rain continued on our second day of backpacking
July 22, 1975 Hike from the East Creek cabin to Resurrection Creek. This 6 1/2 mile hike was completed in sunshine. We camped near Resurrection Creek.
July 23, 1975 Hike from Resurrection Creek to the Swinging Bridge and the bus. We had another 6 1/2 miles to reach a wonderful swinging Bridge and the bus. Soup beans and cornbread hit the spot as we gazed at the beautiful mountains and alpine meadows. It was cool outside as we travel to Anchorage and Glacier Park.
Travel Days on The Alaska Highway to Prince George British Columbia
July 24, 1975 traveled from Glacier Park to a Wayside Stop on the Alaskan highway. Rain, rain, rain, and beautiful views.
July 25, 1975 travel to Whitehorse and the Pioneer Trailer Park. Beautiful wild horses ran in front of the bus. It was time for a shower and dry sleeping bags- laundry day is here again. Mosquitoes are everywhere
July 26, 27, 28, 29, 1975 traveled from Whitehorse to Watson Lake- Watson Lake to Provincial Park- Provincial Park to Sawdust Trail Prince George, British Columbia. Rain rain rain and more rain. Cool showers inside bathrooms and drizzling rain outside. From Sawdust Trail to Cache Creek Campground in British Columbia, Canada.
Hell’s Kitchen, BC, South Bend, Washington, Beverly Beach, Oregon
July 30, 1975 Fraser Canyon and Hell’s Kitchen in British Columbia. We rode the air tram down to Hell’s Gate for a wonderful fresh salmon dinner.
August 1, 1975 Travel to Bruceport Park near South Bend Washington. The group enjoyed views of the Willapa Bay while we waited for parts for the trailer. We camped on the cliffs overlooking the bay. Laundry day
August 2, 1975 Travel to Beverly Beach, Oregon. It was cool and windy and the ocean was cold. It was fun to walk on the beach and eat lunch on the sandy site. This was certainly not a swimming beach but the Pacific Ocean was beautiful
August 3 1975 Beverly Beach, Oregon. We spent the day on the beach once again. A fresh seafood dinner was enjoyed by everyone.
August 4, 1975 Travel to Crescent City, California and the Redwoods National Forest. Stayed at Crescent City KOA because the National Forest campgrounds were full.
Redwoods National Forest, Crater Lake , Klamath Falls, Crested Acres, Nevada
August 5, 1975 Redwoods National Forest, Crater Lake, and Klamath Falls, Oregon. We had a busy day of exploring the magnificent redwoods. Some of the world’s tallest trees dwarfed us. That afternoon we headed to the Rim Village area which provided excellent views of the deepest lake in our country. Caused by volcanic eruption, this pristine lakes sits among the Cascade Mountains.
August 6, 1975 Weyerhauser truck hits the van and trailer as we leave Klamath Falls, Oregon. Mr. Drennen had some back injuries from the wreck but he insisted he could continue the trip as soon as repair work was done on the trailer and van
August 7, 1975 Klamath Falls, Oregon. Repairs were made to the trailer and van. ** We visited the Weyerhauser Plant during this time as well**
August 8, 1975 Travel to Crested Acres in Wells, Nevada. Despite the cold evening we woke to a very warm day the minute the sun appeared. The change in the countryside was a shock. Hills and mountains of sand, rock and sage brush rose from the flat land. Crested Acres in Wells, Nevada was a pleasant surprise as we had a swimming pool and hot showers. After a fish supper, we were ready to call it a night.
Salt Lake City, Utah, Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park
August 9, 1975 Traveled from Wells, Nevada to Salt Lake City, Utah. Our next destination was Salt Lake City. We crossed salt flats that extended for miles and miles. Mountains loomed in the background and a few bushes grew in the area. We took time to stop by the Great Salt Lake and went swimming. The heavy amount of salt in the water allowed us to float easily. When arriving in Salt Lake City we found our KOA campground. It was laundry night and we sorted dirty clothes and headed for the laundromat. Later the kids went swimming while we ate dinner. The campground was on the main street and city lights were shining all night.
August 10, 1975 Tour of Salt Lake City and the Temple Square. Today was a big day. We awoke early and headed for Temple Square. it was time to hear the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. The performance was taped by CBS and the voices were magnificent. We then met at the fountain for a tour of the area. Films and visual presentations told the history of the Mormon faith. We saw the Temple Visitor Center and the conference building. After lunch of beans and cornbread we headed to the state capital.
August 11, 1975 Travel to Bryce Canyon campground in Utah. we arose early this morning to head to Bryce Canyon and the Bryce Canyon campground. Red rock formations loomed in the distance. Although we only had pit toilets the campground is beautiful. After an evening around the campfire, we decided to sleep under the stars. a rain shower at 4 AM convinced us that tents were needed.
August 12, 1975 Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park. We headed to Bryce Canyon this morning and stopped at the Natural Bridge. Desperation Point was the next and it was truly inspirational it was amazing to see the many rock formations caused by erosion. After lunch at the campground, Zion National Park was our next destination. The rock formations were beautiful and we gazed at the Great White Throne in the distance
Grand Canyon National Park, Glen Canyon Dam, Bright Angel Trail
August 13, 1975 Traveled to Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona. We left our campground and headed to the Grand Canyon stopping at Glen Canyon Dam for lunch. We explored the visitor center and the dam. Our first view of the Grand Canyon came at 4 PM. It was awesome and we were ready to spend some time in at this place. We were stunned by the beautiful sunset
August 14, 1975 Grand Canyon National Park. Today was a lazy day. We had time to explore the visitor center and walk to various areas to view the canyon. Bedtime was early because we planned to take the Bright Angel Trail to the Colorado River for our next hike.
August 15, 1975 Hike to the Bright Angel Trail. We woke up at 5:30 AM to get ready for a long day of hiking. We started early and reached Indian Gardens by 9 AM. The trail was steep but it was all downhill. Water and rest stations were available every mile and a half. The Colorado River was below us and we finally touched the river by 10:30. After playing in the water and watching the rafts go by, we decided to head back to the trail. Now that heat was over 100° and the trail went straight up. After an hour of going uphill we decided to stop by a small bush full of prickly ends, OUCH. We drink lots of water and slowly made our climb to Indian Springs. After resting there, we slowly climbed and climbed until we reached the top of the canyon about 8:30 that evening. Needless to say we were eager to ride the bus back to the campground. Hot, tired, and satisfied that we made it we found our sleeping bags and collapsed.
Walnut Canyon National Park, The Petrified Forest and the Painted Desert, Home to Knoxville
August 16, 1975 Walnut Canyon National Park, Arizona. It was time to board the bus and head for Walnut Canyon. After lunch we took a short hike to reach early dwellings of Native Americans. In 1200 AD, Native Americans lived on the Cliffs and made homes from the natural overhangs. Stones were put together with mud to make the front of the dwelling. Animal skins covered the doorways. This tribe left the area when the river below these dwellings dried up. We left the center about 3:30 and headed for a KOA in Holbrook, Arizona. We had our first showers in about a week.
August 17, 1975 The Petrified Forest and Painted Desert. Today was our chance to see the Petrified Forest our first stop was at Kachina Point where in adobe house contain the museum and film center. The center was filled with beautiful local art and the film depicted the area 200 million years ago when the area was a swamp. Leaving the museum we went to an observation point to see the Painted Desert
August 18, 1975 travel day to Red Rock Creek State Park in Oklahoma. We left the campground and begin our trek home. The topography of the land was changing as more trees were seen as we entered Oklahoma. We stopped at Red Rock Canyon State Park and the heat and humidity was oppressive
August 19, 1975 Travel day to Arkansas. Today we spent the day on the bus heading for Arkansas. It was time to just drive and drive
August 20, 1975 Home to Tennessee
There are “portraits in the collection of photos. I’m sorry not everyone is represented singularly, but I have tried to find group shots as well. These are not in any particular order!
