Alcan Border

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!Read more