After
driving 4,045 miles from home, we returned to the U.S. at the
Alcan Port of Entry today.
The Route
Even though the route number changed from YT-1 to AK-2 at the
border, we traveled the Alaska Highway all 142 miles to Tok.
About the Day
It rained lightly all night and until about noon today. Clouds hung low in the valleys as we traveled through the last of the Yukon. We gained an hour at the border. The
afternoon was sunny and pleasant with temperatures reaching the low 60’s.
Leaving YT …
The rain stopped long enough for a reasonably dry disconnect.
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| Site #B-1 at White River |
The trip to the border was only 54 miles. Rain interfered with
picture taking.
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| We started out on loose gravel and a long stretch of road construction. |
We stopped at Buckshot Betty’s
in Beaver Creek for breakfast. The food was very good. The only other customer
was a very talkative gold miner who we figured had been out in the fields too
long. He may have been having a conversation with his pancakes before we
arrived.
Border Crossing …
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| There was no traffic ahead of us. |
Tok …
Most of Tok lines the Alaska Highway. There are 1,250 residents. It
serves as the trade center for six Athabascan Native villages and the intersection
for traffic headed to and from Fairbanks, Anchorage and Valdez.
It’s called “Main Street” Alaska because all motor traffic
entering the state passes through Tok and the Tok Mainstreet Visitors Center is the first stop for most visitors.
It’s also known as the “Sled Dog Capital of Alaska”.
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| Tok is a travel hub |
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| The Burnt Paw adds north-land flavor. |
Other Stuff
It’s early yet, but we’re seeing interesting differences between
Alaska and the Yukon.
- Alaska communities appear more “finished”.
- Yukon travel feels wilder.
- Alaska highways are in better condition.
- There are many abandoned businesses along the highway in both.
The Campground
We’re staying at Tok RV
Village. It’s large and well run. We checked in early (11:15). The
campground looked deserted, but traffic has picked up all afternoon. Five families
that we met this morning in the White River campground are staying here also.
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| They had room for us. |
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| Site #103 |
Tomorrow
We’re leaving the trailer in Tok and taking a day trip to Chicken.
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