We left Tok this morning about 8:30am with clear skies and the sun in our eyes as we headed for the Canadian border about 90 miles East. Lots of beautiful country on the way…especially the Wrangell – St. Elias Mountains East of Glennallen. We had a wait at Canadian customs as we entered Yukon because they were checking Moose hunters and others who had game meat or ammunition aboard. We watched them take some old weathered Moose antlers from one vehicle. What’s up with that?
Although we were expecting to be boarded and searched, because that’s what they were doing to those in front of us, we were passed through quickly. Apparently not having game meat, fish, firearms, or large quantities of alcohol served us well. After leaving customs we realized that we have a case of red salmon that we canned but I said no when asked if we had any fish. I didn’t consider the canned fish…all’s well that ends well.
The last 20 miles of Alaska's hwy was perfectly smooth and new asphalt but once we entered Canada all that changed! There has been no hwy improvement all year and the roads are miserable. In places we had to slow to 10 mph to avoid damage because of frost heaves and broken pavement. Until we reached Lake Kluane the top speed was 45 mph or so with much of the road requiring slower speeds. Lake Kluane was spectacular! It was like glass and reflected the trees and mountains in the background. This must be rare because it’s noted for dangerously high winds in that area. Fortunately, the old '02 Montana held up very well through it all. No damage inside or out. I was worried about tires and springs but so far so good.
We arrived in Whitehorse, Yukon around 7pm (Alaska time) and stayed at Mountain Ridge RV park as before (last spring on the trip home after buying the 02 trailer). It’s easy access right along the hwy just east of the first Whitehorse city center turn-off and familiar to us since we stayed here last spring. They just installed a new WiFi system that works pretty well. They have 30A service, water and sewer. The water is turned on even in September and was on when we stopped here last spring on April 30th. They have a pretty good laundry, and showers are fair in terms of cleanliness. Since Whitehorse is a pretty modern city it makes for a nice layover if we're ready for a break from driving.
We had a good dinner and then a shower so we’re relaxed after a long day on bad road. Well, a good day on the road except for the now infamous olive oil incident. As I write this Betty is doing laundry involving the table cloth and place mats that were in a cupboard with a quite large container of olive oil. Seriously bad roads and a loose stopper on a jar of olive oil pans out to be a bad combination – enough said.
We had a good dinner and then a shower so we’re relaxed after a long day on bad road. Well, a good day on the road except for the now infamous olive oil incident. As I write this Betty is doing laundry involving the table cloth and place mats that were in a cupboard with a quite large container of olive oil. Seriously bad roads and a loose stopper on a jar of olive oil pans out to be a bad combination – enough said.
Squatty and Tiger Lily were good travelers again today. Neither eat much in the truck so they’re should be hungry once we stop for the night. Squatty isn’t feeling well tonight…probably too much truck time.
It took one full tank of fuel from Tok to Haines Jct. where I transferred fuel to the main tank. Then, it took ¼ of the main tank to make Whitehorse.
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