Today
was a great day for a long drive to the Yukon Territory … with some fun stops
and beautiful scenes of the Northern Rockies wilderness.
The Route
Follow the Alaska Highway from Fort Nelson, BC for 332 miles to
Watson Lake, YT. This translates to follow BC-97 north to the Yukon Territory,
then go west on YT-1.
We crossed Summit Pass (at 4,250 ft. it’s the highest elevation on
the Alaska Highway) and Muncho Pass (3,593 ft.), passed through the small
communities of Toad River, Coal River, Fireside, and Contact Creek, and drove
along Summit Lake, Toad River, Muncho Lake and Laird River.
About the Day
We awoke to a sunny morning and were on the road by 8:15am.
Remnants of yesterday’s snowfall greeted us as we climbed over
Summit Pass.
We got gas and had a great homemade breakfast at Rocky Mountain Lodge at mile 397. It was
the first gas available in the 97 miles since leaving Fort Nelson.
Highway conditions …
* All of yesterday’s snow had been cleared.
* Traffic was light.
* Loose gravel and rough roads were well marked.
* Pot holes were the hardest to see before being right on top of
them.
We hit two long stretches of road construction. One involved replacing
the entire surface and the other involved redirecting and rebuilding a portion
of the highway. Both were deeply rutted. We learned what to watch for very
quickly.
This section is being completely rebuilt. |
The highway straightens out as we descend toward the Yukon
Territory.
Sightings
1 black bear ... trust us on this one, no picture
Did you know?
Approximately 100 people live along the 319 mile section of the
Alaska Highway between Fort Nelson, BC and Watson Lake, YT. It's a pretty remote area.
Sign Post Forest is Watson Lake’s most
famous attraction. It was started by a homesick G.I. in 1942.
Signs of the times in Watson Lake |
There was no cell phone service until we got into Watson Lake.
It's pretty light here at 11pm.
The Campground
The campground has a very good restaurant called Wolf It Down. Chef Dave has many years
of experience and awards to match. We think Wolf
It Down should be a must for anyone passing this way.
Whisker Fun
Didn't get photos--only Pic # with description. Sounds fun! Will look forward to seeing them when available (just saw the announcement up top).
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Dick!
Dawson City recommendations:
ReplyDeleteDredge #4 - with your engineering background, you will love this way to mine for gold
Diamond Lil's Casino and Can Can show
Canada Park Service walking tour of town - lots of history
By the way, you may have to wait to board the ferry over the Yukon River to the Top of the World Highway. Short ride but small ferry. Sometimes limited to one RV each crossing depending on size and other cars.
Still like the beard!
Carl