Eve of Destruction

Our campground tonight is the beautiful "Cottonwood" in Destruction Bay, Yukon Territory. We love it here in the middle of nowhere and mountains surrounding you with birds chirping and sitting on pristine Lake Kluane. We stopped at Sheep Mountain on the way and saw no sheep, but we were able to see some from the campground. One of our guests has a spotting scope and found some way up on a mountain. I have to identify the little bird on top and we saw a loon and other waterfowl in the lake. So many wildflowers brighten all the paths. You can walk along the lakefront and they have beautiful rocks that are purple and bright green. After dinner Jeff entertained and we all sang along and enjoyed ourselves. I read Tailypo, a scary story, and we roasted marshmallows over the campfire. Photo #3 is to give an idea of what the RV's look like in the camp. Not spacious sites here, but great views. In the morning we woke to this gorgeous sunrise, although it never gets really dark during the night.

59th Street Bridge Song

Driving from Whitehorse to Destruction Bay. So far the road isn't bad except for this old bridge we had to cross. Ha Ha! Lots of RV's and bicyclists as well as motorcycles and some cars and trucks. The sun is shining and the scenery is beautiful. In the top photo two dogs had cornered a procupine along the side of the road.Mr.Porcupine had his quills stuck out and the dogs didn't get too close. Finally they ran away and the porcupine ran into the woods. Click to see it larger.

Stewball

Our third day in Whitehorse and sleeping late is a luxury. I went downtown with the "girls" and we watched the send off of the 23rd annual Yukon River Quest Canoe and Kayak Race. This is the longest race of its kind in the world and attracted 150 vessels this year. They'll paddle three days to Dawson City and we saw folks competing from around the globe including a 78 year old man. There were singles, doubles and group canoes competing for a cash prize, Some were representing charities. The paddlers came running like the beginning of a marathon and hopped into their boats and started off. Fun to watch!
Later we had lunch at a cute cafe and shopped along Main Street for books and crafts. Another stop at the supermarket ended the day. The statue at the top is a "stampeder" and his dog carrying supplies. It is dedicated to all dreamers.

Clementine

Whitehorse is the capital of the Yukon Territory and was the northern terminus of the railway which connected Skagway with the Yukon River. Klondike stampeders came to Whitehorse to refresh their supplies and head north to the gold fields. The river was the only way to get here until the Alaska Highway was built. This morning we took a two hour hike to Miles Canyon. This area is just south of the city and on the rapids of the river. The stampeders had to brave the rapids to get on their way and many camped in the canyon and used a tramway to get through. Today it is deserted, but remnants of the tent city that was there are evident. The hike is easy and through woods overlooking the river. Lots of wildflowers. We had two guides from a conservancy lead our group and you have to cross a narrow, swinging bridge over the river to gain access. Later we did mundane chores like grocery shopping and spent the evening relaxing.

Mashed Potatoes

It must be time for dinner so we head on down to the Klondike Rib & Salmon where we eat at least once each time we come through. I love the grilled halibut with brie and berry sauce along with my favorite food - mashed potatoes. Jeff enjoyed the slab of ribs. Doesn't it all look delicious? When we came out there was a beautiful rainbow. On the way home we stopped to see the world's largest weather vane which is a DC-3 mounted on a pylon in a concrete base at the airport.

A Horse With No Name

We love Whitehorse and all the beauty in and around it. The sensational Fireweed is the official flower/plant of the territory and my favorite here and in Alaska. There's a paved walking path that goes all around the town and we took a stroll along the lakefront and saw this bald eagle and his nest with eaglet peeking out. The city built a tall pole and platform for eagle's to construct their nest right near the path so everyone can view these magnificent birds.

On The Road Again

A bright and sunny Monday morning and today's drive is 162 miles to Whitehorse. First stop out of the campground is the George Johnston Museum. We have stopped here on all our trips because it is such a heart warming story of a man who did so much with his life. George was a dreamer and an avid photographer whose pictures tell the story of a culture and lifestyle long gone. In 1928 George bought a Chevrolet even though there were no roads in Teslin. He and his family/friends constructed three miles of road to drive on and in the winter they drove on the ice painting the car white to do hunting and ice fishing. Painted green again the the spring George ran a taxi service and charged people just to ride in the car as they had never seen one in this area. Back in the RV we drove north and stopped for a cinnamon bun and hot blueberry turnover (that's for me) at the famous Johnson Crossing bakery. Yum! As we approached Whitehorse we saw this beautiful lake complete with beach and sailboats. Whitehorse is a lovely city set amid magnificent scenery. So happy to be here for three days and nights.

We're Having a Party

It's time for wine and cheese at the Yukon Motel Campground and the weather cooperated. We enjoyed the food and good conversation. We had a campfire and went around and told a little about ourselves and then played a game to remember everyone's name. We're all getting very good at that and the group is starting to grow close. Across the lake and many miles away we could see a fire and the smoke area got larger as the evening went on. The bottom photo shows a helicopter heading towards the blaze with a tank of water hanging below.

Bridge Over Troubled Water

Today we drove 161 miles from Watson Lake to Teslin Lake and the scenery is spectacular. We stopped at Rancheria Falls and took the short walk to see two small waterfalls and lots of wildflowers. Later we passed the Continental Divide. While relaxing at a rest stop we heard that there was an accident ahead, but no inuries. We were nervous that one of our rigs was involved, and sadly that was so. A lovely couple had their RV totaled when an oncoming pick up truck with travel trailer tried to pass a van and clipped his front when going back into the lane. The van spun out of control and smacked into our guest's motorhome. We got there and saw that a few of of other guests were helping out already. The Royal Canadian Police were notified and had arrived along with a fire truck and crew. We assisted with getting essential items out of the RV and into their car and other RV's from our group. After three hours a tow truck arrived and we all went on to our next stop. It is such a sad event as these folks had been planning this trip for a few years and aren't sure if they'll attempt it again or even replace their RV. The good news is that they are not injured and were able to drive away in their car. They stayed overnight in a local motel and will stay in Whitehorse for a few days to sort things out and talk to their insurance company. They decided not to continue on the trek. We will miss them and plan to see them for dinner in Whitehorse. Some of the helpers are pictured in the center photo with the unfortunate couple on the left involved in the accident. The bottom photo is the Nisutlin Bay Bridge with our campground on the far right just after the bridge.

Sign of the Times

The Signpost Forest in Watson Lake was started by an Army soldier working on the highway in 1942. Travellers add signs and there are now more than 70,000. We were able to find our sign from 2008 and even saw one that said Bluffton. There's Jeff standing amid the signs and one that really got to me. Hope those folks are doing well in Alaska. After looking at the signs we did laundry and ate dinner in a tent at the campground. The food was very good and we met some nice folks from Victoria and had a pleasant dinner conversation. I always get a chuckle thinking about the number of signs here. On our first trip here Brian asked if we could find his sign. He had visited in 1991? with American Trails West and spent six weeks camping in Alaska with other teens. I asked him where the sign was and he explained you walk here and there. Anyway it's nearly impossible, but I am still looking for it. Lots of great memories here.

Traveling Man

 

Some people/animals we have met. (Second from) Bottom photo is Alan from north of Los Angeles who rode his enduro bike all the way to Prudhoe Bay. He is heading home to his wife and family after staying in the Liard Hot Springs Campground. He has a six gallon gas tank and carries a one gallon extra can along with two spare tires, camping supplies and more. Safe trip. Above him is a lone mountain sheep shedding his winter coat. A herd of sheep grazing on a mountainside. Top is a funny juvenile moose growing his antlers and giving us a lookover. He stayed near us for a long while and was very comfortable. He bent down to drink and it was dripping out of his mouth in this photo. All in a days fun.

(Jeff's note: The bottom photo is of our trek's resident bathing beauty enjoying the hot springs!)

Take My Breath Away

Wow - a few days on the road and so many memories. We left Dawson Creek and headed north to Fort Nelson, BC. The scenery is awesome and every twist and turn brings a new vista to admire. Still rainy, but that doesn't diminish the beauty. Not many animals, except for a few moose and deer. Stayed overnight in Fort Nelson and we stayed in and rested. Each morning we get up at 5:30 am and send off the guests starting at 6 am. Our job is to make coffee and set it out along with sign out sheets so we know when everyone leaves the campground. When they are gone, we clean up and leave and stay at the back of the pack all day. If we see a member of our group we stop, enter it on a log and keep behind them. Along the way we sightsee and do whatever. Day three we traveled to Liard Hot Springs. We love this place as it is magical with refreshing natural springs and beautiful flora. Ferns and wildflowers line the wooden path to the spring. We soaked and enjoyed the hot water and then went back to relax and have dinner. More animals near the road. At Stone Mountain we saw a family of sheep, a few bears, moose and deer. It is so exciting. Photo #1 is the Cinnamon Bun Center of the Galactic Cluster. No kidding, that's what the sign says. We shared a bun as we have on our two previous trips and it is worth the drive. They also have delicious molasses bread which I am enjoying toasted. Photo #2 are bison, part of a large herd, walking near our campground in Liard. Photo #3 - a black bear saying, "I'm ready for my close-up Mr. DeMille." Photo #4 is Jeff, Ziggy and me entering the Yukon Territory.