Alaska via Canada

Our morning coffee was even better lakeside! The start of our day is always a little longer without Cindy, because I really do have to get out and walk Auggie now. Before I just got to eat breakfast and do a little clean up, I still do that but now have to add in the walking, and a little play time....

As we drove south heading to the border, we made a couple of stops at more Tetlin Wildlife Refuge locations. They were all beautiful with overlooks of lakes, short interpretive trails, and one with their main visitor center. It is a very large refuge, and is home to a large number of migratory birds, although we did not see many. We did see a pair of trumpter swans again and lake ducks.

Today (again) was about driving, approximately 240 miles. I know that does not sound like a lot, but when your max speed is about 50 or 55 mph, it takes awhile! Frost heaves, gravel sections, and lots of repair patches create a pretty bumpy ride. I don't really care about the bumpy ride, I just want to make sure we have shocks when we get home!

Crossed back over the border today, gosh, sometimes these guys can be so unpleasant. We didnt do any thing wrong; well, Tom was wearing his sunglasses, which is not the"correct" thing to do; but a smile wouldn't hurt anybody. Oh well.

Had lunch in Beaver Creek at Buckshot Betty's. No fish, just shared a hamburger and fries, with beef and cabbage soup. Talk about home cooking! (It was the cook's grandmother's recipe with his own personal twist) Stopped at the visitor center to replace all the brochures we got the first time we came through the Yukon!

More driving through lots of black spruce; boreal forests. These trees are every where, and pretty much are a good indicator of permafrost areas because they are about the only tree that can live with the permafrost. It is a stunted tree, has a very shallow root system, and grows very slowly. They have found 100 year old trees that are only 2" in diameter. I insisted that Tom get out in these boggy areas and stand by the tree so I could take a picture to help you see how short they can be. Almost like green pipe cleaners, sort of Dr. Suess like! The tops often look thicker than the trunks because that is where the pine cones collect. And areas with permafrost are a good indicator for "damaged roads"!

Made a stop at the Kluane Museum in Burwash Landing, it had the distinction of having the world's largest gold pan. Another photo OP for Tom! Museum had a pretty good collection of stuffed animal dioramas, and some First Nation tribal history.

Decided we could go just one more night without showers since the days have been cool, and we have mostly been driving and strolling (versus hiking!). Besides we have about 100 plus more waterless "body wipes" to use before our trip is over! ( thank you Linley!) So checked into one of the Yukon government camps, $12 Canadian, per night! So am currently parked at a site on Lake Kluane, no view of the lake but a nicely wooded site. Most of the Yukon government sites have been great and always inexpensive!

Burritos for dinner, M & Ms for dessert, and one more walk for Auggie!En savoir plus

We had another late morning....this seems to be an ongoing theme with us lately. Could be we are just a little more use to this lifestyle, and are more relaxed about the days agenda? Hopefully!

This stop is really not on the route south, it is a little off course because we thought we would drive out to the W.A.C. Bennett Dam, which is a massive earthen dam, similar (in concept only, not size) to Edison. This dam is huge and the reservoir behind it is the largest in Canada and something like the 7th largest reservoir in the world. This dam and the smaller dam below it, account for about 25% of BC's electrical needs. It was built in the 60s with a lot of controversy, and pretty much wiped out a way of life, homes, and burial grounds for several First Nation villages, as well as a significant amount of wildlife and habitats. The land and water use decisions just don't have easy answers anywhere.

After the tour we drove across the dam, which was surprising since I am not sure we can do that anywhere back in California these days. There was a nice view point overlooking the reservoir and dam on the other side so we just enjoyed a quiet lunch in the RV.

Spent the afternoon walking the little town of Hudson Hope which is on the road to the dam. One of the oldest towns in BC, (I think due to its proximity to the Peace River which is a large river), but it is a pretty small town. We walked along the Peace River with Auggie, and through some older historical buildings, and enjoyed their Tuesday Farmers Market. (Bought a fresh baked cinnamon bun!) Some one was there with a box of puppies to sell, so I even got to hold a puppy! It was pretty warm by the afternoon, 78 degrees, and in full sun that feels pretty warm!

Drove back to Moberly Lake for a second night because we really liked this provincial park and it's on the way back to Chetwynd. This time we are lakeside, and it was warm enough that we were able to enjoy our dinner outside. Barbecue hamburgers (found them pre made with jalapenos and cheese at Safeway) and good ole cabbage and apple salad!

Nice sunny day, easy driving, beautiful lakes, and puppies, what more could you ask for?En savoir plus