We are finally here and our first stop was Tok, Alaska (on Father’s Day!) where we celebrated with a champagne and pizza party!
So, we ended this week in Alaska; but, we started the week in Dawson Creek, BC…..so, let me catch you up on all the ground we’ve covered this week.
The week started at mile “0” of the Alaska Highway in Dawson Creek, BC and we have meandered 1,257 miles through British Columbia and the Yukon to get to Alaska.
Liard Hot Springs, BC
After we left Dawson Creek, we weaved our way through the Northern Rockies and landed at Laird Hot Springs. What a welcoming stop since we soaked our aching backs, butts and necks in the hot, relaxing natural spring! The weeks of travel and thousands of miles driven were quickly forgotten as we mellowed away!
Driving north towards the Yukon one is transported into incredible remoteness and beauty! There is no one here; no towns, no traffic, no noise……no services. Occasionally, we stumble upon a pullout where we get out, stretch our legs, read an informative sign and just take-in majestic views. We’ll pull over, grab lunch in the Airstream and just admire the stark beauty and appreciate the opportunity we are experiencing. And as we do so, there is absolute silence and serenity!
Watson Lake, Yukon
Eventually, we arrived at a wide spot in the road — Watson Lake which is infamous for its Sign Post Forest. In 1942, during the construction of the Alaska Highway, a home sick GI was repairing a directional sign and added a sign pointing to his hometown of Danville, Ill. Since then, over 100,000 signs have been added by Alaska Highway journeyers.
Susan and I posted a very special sign in honor of Susan’s father Larry. He had always wanted to visit Alaska, but, sadly never had the opportunity to do so. Larry collected a few antique cars and last summer Susan found the blue license plate from one of his antique cars. And now, it is proudly displayed in the Sign Post Forest!!
Whitehorse, Yukon
Whitehorse is the capital of the Yukon and has a long gold-seeking and trading history. The Yukon river winds through the city and majestic mountains and pristine lakes surround it. This was the first major community we stopped at in over 1,000 miles. With its many museums, restaurants and shops we were suddenly transported back to modern life!
In addition to exploring this city of 25,000+, getting groceries and other much needed supplies we ventured outside the city to check-out a sled dog camp. 100+ sled dogs call this camp home where they are bred, raised, trained and well-loved. The owner of this family operated camp told us all about the challenges of raising these 4-legged powerhouses, their personalities, individual needs, social structure, health challenges and the grueling demands of sled dog competition. We had so much fun walking among these lovable dogs and they were so excited to have us visit them!
Haines Junction, Yukon
As the name implies, Haines Junction joins the Alaska Highway (Hwy 1) with The Golden Circle route (Hwy 3) down to Haines, Juneau and Skagway (spoiler alert – we’ll be there in a couple of weeks). This cute little village sits at the base of three internationally protected wilderness areas and hard core wilderness hikers/explorers basecamp here. It was a great stopping point to refuel, both the truck and ourselves, visit a wonderful information center and we stumbled upon a very unique church:
Destruction Bay, Yukon
Destruction Bay is the definition of “in the middle of nowhere”! During the Alaska Highway construction this was a critical military supply camp, but, shortly afterwards, a fierce storm literally blew the town away. The only thing left is a gravel parking with electric posts for us to plug in and recharge batteries. But……what a view of Kluane Lake!
Tok, Alaska
The drive from Destruction Bay to Tok, Alaska was the most grueling, exhausting and rugged route thus far. Gravel, dirt, mud, potholes and massive frost heaves pretty much summarize this 225 mile stretch. Imagine being on a bucking bronco and roller coaster at the same time! It took over 8 hours to get to Tok and we felt like we should have brought one of these vehicles. We also saw our 1st grizzly enjoying breakfast along the roadside.
However, I am happy to report that both Big Blue and Annie Rose were up to the challenge. In fact, they faired better than Susan and me. So, here we are in Tok, ready to finally explore Alaska…….and enjoying some much needed adult beverages!
Whew…..what a week, relaxing hot springs, excited dogs, unique church, informative nature centers, incredible desolation, a jaw breaking road and we added Alaska to our RV travel map…….the Meandering Continues……
