2016 Airstream Alaska Trip: Day 41 – Teslin, YT to Watson Lake, YT (Again)

June 25^th, posted June 27^th

We continued retracing our entry route backward and ended up stopping in Watson Lake … again. We were here on May 30^th.

The Route

The route was short and simple, drive 153 miles south on the Alaska Highway. We had a few stretches of loose gravel and dust. Otherwise, the highway was in good condition most of the way. We got to wiggle back and forth between BC and YT part of the way.

About the Day

It was crystal clear in the morning, overcast by mid-day and mostly sunny by late afternoon. The 70° temperature was delightful.

This was a decision day. We need to go through Prince George, BC to get to Portland. There are two ways to get there from here. Via BC-37 is shorter, rougher and has fewer gas stations. Via BC-97 (out of Dawson Creek) is about 80 miles longer, but has no gas concerns. We were going to take BC-97 until we learned yesterday that a section of the road was washed away during a June 15^th flood. We learned today that it’s happened before in the same place and that it took three years to repair it last time. So, do we choose a rough road or no road?

Along the Way

Carol’s wish list for the trip included learning more about totem poles. It looked like we were going to miss out until we learned about the Teslin Tlingit Heritage Centre. It’s just a few miles north of the campground. We stopped there before leaving the area.

The Heritage Centre …

It took 20 years to complete the Heritage Centre. It honors the five Tlingit clans and displays their artifacts beautifully. We enjoyed some of their freshly fried bread called “bannok”.

We didn’t see totem poles, but we did see clan poles. The carving kills migrated from southeastern Alaska (the Juneau, Ketchikan and Sitka areas) with the Tlingits.

Entrance

Two of the five entrance clan poles

One of the five clan banners displayed in the auditorium

The deck and outside views enhance celebrations.

On the Road …

This is what we mean by loose gravel and dust. Stones thrown by fast drivers are the biggest concern.

Oh, oh. Here it comes.

Yup

Travel Tidbits

According to our meticulous research, Tim Horton’s can be found as far northwest as the Yukon. We’ve seen two locations in Whitehorse, but none further west. There were none visible further east on the Alcan between Whitehorse and Watson Lake. We know there’s a location in Fort Nelson, 593 miles east of Whitehorse.

Connections

We met a couple from “the deep south” of New Zealand. They’re traveling for two years in the US and then plan to head to South America. Their travel experience is off the charts and they seem to have no fear. The meeting is the result of a wave as we passed them on the road and a chance encounter in the grocery store.

The Campground

We’re staying at the Baby Nugget RV Park just west of Watson Lake. We chose this stop because it’s at the intersection of the Alaska Highway and BC-37.