Monday, May 30, 2016

Day 15 – Fort Nelson, BC to Watson Lake, YT


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.
Climbing
Descending
Summit Lake
The descent continues

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.

Muncho Lake
Deep valleys
Sheer cliffs

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 moose

1 black bear ... trust us on this one, no picture


5 bison (not buffalo)

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
We’re staying at Baby Nugget RV Park, 14 miles west of Watson Lake on the Alaska Highway.
Site #2

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
Week 2
Hmm, this beard is just scratching the surface.

2 comments:

  1. Didn't get photos--only Pic # with description. Sounds fun! Will look forward to seeing them when available (just saw the announcement up top).

    Happy Birthday Dick!

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  2. Dawson City recommendations:
    Dredge #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

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