Our next stop was into the Yukon Territory - Watson Lake. We spent two nights here with a full day to see the sights. We visited the visitor center and the airport – a museum about the creation of the airport during WWII – lots of human interest photos and stories. But the most interesting place was the Sign-post forest – people have left signs here since about 1942. Today there are more than 77,000 signs. People put up name plaques, town signs, tin plates with their names on them, business signs etc. It’s amazing and just when you think you’ve seen them all, there are more. What fun!
We left Watson Lake in a pouring rain, but our luck held and the rain mostly stopped within the hour. And much of the drive was through the Cassiar Mountain range. It was one beautiful vista after another. And the wildlife was something special – moose, stone sheep, black bear, an eagle, buffalo – all in one day. That afternoon we crossed the Nisutlin Bridge – the longest river span bridge on the Alaska Highway. We were in the town of Teslin and stayed at Mukluk Annie’s where they offer free dry camping (with free showers, rest rooms, and a nice laundry). We went for the barbequed salmon dinner and with that came a boat ride across the lake in the evening. We all threw bread for the seagulls. And at 11:50 that night, I took a picture of the sky – still light. Amazing.
In Teslin we visited the Wildlife Museum – one of the best ‘stuffed’ animal displays we’ve ever seen; and it was FREE!! We also went to the George Johnson Museum (the film here was outstanding) and the Tlingit Heritage Center (this was really hyped and not that much, except for the well done totems out front).
From Teslin it was on to Whitehorse – still lovely vistas, but no animals seen on that day. Whitehorse has many, many things to see and do. Our Hi country RV park was full most every night. We spent three days here and had no trouble filling our time. We visited the MacBride Museum (gold rush exhibits). The visitor center had great information and helpful folks. We attended the Frantic Follies – a 20s style review and thoroughly enjoyable. Gordie got picked to participate. It was a very good show.
One day we took a day trip to the town of Atlin – This is a magical spot along Atlin Lake (the largest natural lake in BC). The mountains drop to the edge of the lake. One of the mountains is on an island in the middle of the lake, and there is also a glacier that flows into the lake.
Our final day in Whitehorse we visited an overlook at Miles Canyon – a deep canyon flowing toward the Whitehorse Dam. At this dam is the longest wooden fish ladder ever built.
Tomorrow we take the road again toward Dawson City. We plan to make the trip through Chicken and on to Tok IF the road is dry. It is likely to be the slowest part of the trip.
May you all have happy travels.
Ellen & Gordon
