Pictures from Kluane National Park and Kluane Lake (which is renowned as one of the most beautiful lakes in the world – unfortunately it is frozen solid) from the drive between Haines Junction, Yukon and Tok, Alaska. I had intended to do a flight-seeing trip over the park while I was here, but it was never clear enough. Hopefully, I can do it the next time I’m in the area.
Although the highway has been rebuilt and straightened several times, this remains one of the more challenging sections of road to encounter on this trip. From Haines Junction to Destruction Bay the road is in good condition. From Destruction Bay to the US Border, not so much. I drove on the wrong side of the road often trying to avoid some of the ruts.
Destruction Bay is a small community located near the shores of Kluane Lake. It was one of the several camps built to supply the army during the construction of the Alaska Highway. It got is name when an extremely violent storm destroyed building and much of the highway construction material that was stored here.
Burwash Landing is the traditional home of the Southern Tutchone people of the Kluane First Nation. The present location was first used as a summer camp by the Tutchone until a trading post was built in the early 1900s by the Jacquot brothers. This enabled many of the First Nation to build more permanent homes in the area. The site became the administrative center for the Kluane First Nations. Burwash Landing celebrates 114 years this year.
I LOVE how Canadians call their original citizens First Nation instead of “Indians.” It is so much more respectful.
Beaver Creek is the most westerly community in Canada, and is actually further west than Vancouver, BC. Beaver Creek has been inhabited for 10,000 years. It is the home of the White River First Nation. There is an abundance of copper in the area and this became valuable as a trade commodity.
When I was staying at the truck stop near Haines Junction, I was lucky to have a couple of really nice green salads. I asked where they got the fresh produce and learned that it is brought up to Vancouver, shipped to Anchorage, put on a barge to Whitehorse and then trucked to Haines Junction. Since the salad cost me $11, I didn’t ask what they paid for the romaine or the tomatoes. I also learned they charge $20/pack for cigarettes; $135 for an 8/pack carton. So glad I don’t smoke!
I was the only vehicle crossing the border into Alaska – surprise – but the border patrol officer said they had had more RVs crossing early than ever before. I was told the same thing when I arrived at Tok. Maybe they will start to open things earlier if people keep coming …
The biggest problem I have had, besides the weather, has been finding water. Apparently it is in short supply when everything freezes. If you don’t have a well, you are begging water from those who do have one. Finding a place to empty my tanks has been a challenge as well.
Tok (Tok is pronounced with a long “0” - like there is an “e” on the end) is often called the “Gateway to Alaska” because it is the first major community in Alaska you come to when heading north. The town has a population of approximately 1,250. Its economy is based on tourism and for its size, Tok offers more hotel rooms and campsites than any other town in the state. It is also known as the “Sled Dog Capital of Alaska” which is apparent from the number of kennels in town. I’ve been “greeted” (translate body slammed) by a couple of huskies since I arrived and I was surprised at their lack of weight. They are not nearly as heavy or strong as Zoey, my son and daughter-in-law’s young boxer.
At Haines Junction and the drive to Tok there was a nasty wind. Apparently there is nothing to stop it …. It is strong and cold. I stopped at a rest stop and tried to get out of the coach to check the Jeep. The wind was so strong I could hardly open the door and I was afraid the wind would take it out of my control and cause damage, so I closed it and stayed inside until the next stop. There was a wind warning here last night, but nothing like the winds I had in Haines Junction.
So here is a conversation I had …. I mentioned how dry my skin and lips and everything is and was told they have a very dry cold …. When you’re out walking in -40 degrees it actually feels more like -20 degrees because it is a dry cold. Arizona – sound familiar? J My response was “who is out WALKING in -40 degrees?!”
Other conversations involved our military. For instance, did you know that it is considered and over-seas posting to be stationed in Alaska? That’s significate because the pay is higher, but also because it does not require Congress approval to send the solders anywhere in the world from here. A lot of the military has been transferred recently and have been moving their families back to the lower 48.
Russia just completed a heavily armed instillation just across the Strait, supposedly a “science research center” and that China is building ice cutters? Just some things to keep you awake at night.
I finally saw my first Caribou crossing the road. There were two, pretty small. Still looking for that moose!
In one of my blogs I mentioned the housing for the annual employees. I took this picture ... one of a unit not being used and one of three in use. This is the back of the three with the orange stipe. I didn't want to get closer as I didn't want to invade anyones privacy.
Heading to Fairbanks next for a couple of weeks, and then down to Valdez.....
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