We were up by and fed by 8:00. The heavy rains of the night before had given us a free car wash and the air was fresh and clean smelling. We attempted to make exchange some currency, but were not successful so we headed out.
Unfortunately, we didn’t have a clean car for long. Immediately we hit road construction which was to continue from Tok to the Canadian border. Then it began to sprinkle. For the first part of our drive we used the mantra, “Bob and weave” as we made ever effort to miss the monstrous frost heaves and potholes. Truth be told, Rick has now mastered the technique of minimizing the potential of bottoming out.
The road construction and conditions slowed us down considerably. It took us near three hours to make it the 90 miles to the Canadian border. The road construction stopped once we made it into Canada, but the poor roads and weather continued. The most disappoint aspect of the trip was that the clouds obscured our view of the St. Elias Mountains. Apparently, these are the tallest 
mountains in Canada.
We really became discouraged when we saw snow. According to a sign at the wayside, this area was permafrost. It was so cold, the Kluane Lake was still frozen over. Granted the lake is huge, but according to one of the locals of Destruction Bay, it would most likely be frozen until mid-June.
By the time we got to Haines Junction, we were feeling a little worse for wear and decided to pull over for fifteen winks. Once we woke up, the skies began to clear and we actually got to see the sun and mountains even if we didn’t see any wildlife.
Just past Haines Junction we finally had our hopes realized when Rick spotted two young brown bear hanging around the side of the road. They evidently were trying to read the Frosty Freeze sign, because they hung around long enough for us to snap a couple pictures. A year in Alaska and we finally got to see bear. Yippe!
A little further, an old bridge caught our eye. It had been built in the early 20s and was in the process of being reconstructed to historical sake. It was worth stopping and taking a couple pictures.
Then we drove, and drove till we got to the metropolis of Whitehorse. It was about 6:30 and we had decided whether we want to stay or drive on. We pulled into a couple place and noticed gangs gathered. At least the group of young men looked liked they were in a gang. We found a diner and had some supper while we figured out our next move.
Still indecisive we turned to the handy milepost. I had scan through it earlier and found the little town called Teslin. It was about 100 miles (168 km, everything is km now). I called a resort and made a reservation. We were off.
Driving this time of night was a good choice. Teslin Lake and river are spectacular sights that span for miles. Then we came across the White Mountains that truly lived up to their names. Two fantastic bridges were also part of the trek. All in all, I this was the highlight of the days drive.
Finally, at 10:30, we pulled into the Dawson Peak Resort. A newer established constructed of older trailer. Everything was closed down, but the key to our room was in the door waiting for us. Within minutes we were in bed. Another day; another 500 miles. Only a few thousand more to go.
No comments:
Post a Comment