Alaska Highway

July 17-24
After spending three nights in Dawson Creek, British Columbia, we began our trek along the Alaska Highway.  The Alaska Highway (Alcan originally) was built starting in March of 1942.  Japan's invasion placed an importance on getting a connection between Alaska and the lower 48 states.  A cooperative effort between Canada and the United States, the US paid for the construction and Canada furnished the right-of-way, and waived import duties and other taxes and regulations.  By June 1942 there were more than 10,000 American troops in Canada working on the road.  Seeing the terrain and knowing the climate conditions, it is amazing that this 1,390 mile road was completed in just a little over eight months.  It took over 18 months just to build the Hathaway Bridge at home.

Having traveled 884 miles on the Alaska Highway, we can say the road conditions haven't been too bad so far.  A couple of people in our caravan have had their tow vehicle windshield broken, and one coach's windshield has a rock chip and spreading crack.  So far we have been lucky--all is well. 

Leaving milepost "0" in Dawson Creek, we made overnight stops in Fort Nelson, Liard Hot Springs (they are hot--we were in them), Watson Lake, and Teslin before arriving in Whitehorse, Yukon Territories.  Many opportunities for fun and education on the way. 

Whitehorse is the capital of the Yukon Territories.  Whitehorse was very important during the gold rush and steadily grew in population.  Today the population of Whitehorse is around 27,000 while the whole population of the Yukon Territory is around 35,000.  We had a great time here touring the city, attending the "Frantic Follies" (what a hoot), visiting the Beringia Interpretive Centre (pre-historic) and the Old Log Church (oldest building in the city in the original location) and the SS Klondike.  We also hiked the upper and lower trails of Miles Canyon.  Great time.

We head out tomorrow for the longest route of our trip.  We will be driving 336 miles on the Klondike Loop, and it is estimated to take 9 hours.  We will spend three nights in Dawson City, YT then ferry across the Yukon river to start the Top of the World Highway.  We have heard all kinds of stories about the road conditions.  Stay tuned and we will let you know if we survive and the conditions we faced. 

Signpost Forest in Watson Lake.  Over 72,000 signs

In Whitehorse, YT

Canola fields in Dawson Creek, BC

Phil and Karon putting numbers on all the coaches

Dawson Creek, BC

The worst road conditions we encountered so far

Roadside stop and short hike

Longest bridge on Alaska Highway, 1,917 ft.

Suspension Bridge over Yukon River in Miles Canyon

Miles Canyon.  Hiked upper and lower trails.